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LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

University  of  California. 

Mrs.  SARAH  P.  WALSWORTH. 

Received  October,  i8g4, 
zAccessions  No.SySD^  .      Class  No. 


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I 


A    NEW    TRIBUTE 
JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR. 


NEW    TRIBUTE 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR. 


NEW-YORK. 


JOHN  S.  TAYLOR,  THEOLOGICAL  &  SUNDAY-SCHOOL 
BOOKSELLER,  BRICK  CHURCH  CHAPEL. 


38. 


Sf 


3y  9/:x.' 
3  7  A/-f- 


I7JD> 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1837, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  for  the 

Southern  District  of  New-York. 


G.  r.  Hopkin's  &  Son,  Printers,  98  Nassau-street. 


.-C/C^-^ 


To  KNOWLES  TAYLOR,  Esquire,  Brother  of 
James  Brainerd  Taylor,  This  Tribute  is  most 
gratefully  inscribed  by  the 

AUTHOR. 


PREFACE. 

It  Will  be  perceived  by  a  perusal  of  the  following  In- 
troduction, that  this  Tribute,  was  originally  compiled 
for  the  relatives  and  personal  friends  of  James  B.  Tai- 
lor. It  is  principally  composed  of  materials  distinct 
from  that  embraced  in  the  Memoir.  The  plan  of  the 
work  required,  to  some  extent,  that  letters  from  some 
surviving  friends  should  be  given.  Situated  as  he  was, 
at  a  distance  from  his  relatives,  the  correspondence  was 
extensive ;  and  this  correspondence  embraced  the  par- 
ticulars, which  are  addressed  most  particularly  to  their 
sympathies.  In  publishing  this  work,  however,  most 
of  the  letters  from  others  to  Mr.  Taylor,  which  are  not 
necessary  to  preserve  the  uniform  connexion  of  the  nar- 
rative, agreeably  to  the  original  plan  of  the  manuscript, 
are  excluded.  The  work  is  now  committed  to  the  press 
with  the  belief  that  all  who  have  read  the  Memoir  of 
James  Brainerd  Taylor,  which  has  passed  through  six 
or  eight  editions,  will  gladly  avail  themselves  of  this 


via  PREFACE. 

volume,  as  embracing  additional  breathings  of  a  pure 
spirit,  recorded  by  his  own  pen  —  and  giving  minuter 
dedcnpdons,  illustrative  of  his  own  character  —  and  the 
particulars  that  entered  into  combination  to  form  that 
character;  together  with  a  more  graphic  account  of  the 
last  scenes  of  his  brief,  and  holy,  and  happy  lif». 
JVeiO'YorJc,  December,  1837. 


» 


INTRODUCTION. 

In  the  Memoir  of  James  Bhainerd  Taylor,  it  has 
been  the  particular  object  of  the  compilers  to  exhibit 
his  religious  character  and  example  to  candidates  for 
the  Christian  ministry,  as  a  model  for  their  imitation. 
It  therefore  did  not  fall  within  their  plan  to  quote  his 
letters  in  full,  or  those  aside  from  a  religious  bearing. 
The  extracts  which  are  given,  are  often,  as  a  conse- 
quence, divested  of  the  air  of  simplicity  and  grace,  and 
sometimes  of  affectionate  humour,  which  the  manuscript 
letters,  in  extenso,  possess.  There  are  also  letters 
written  to  the  friends  of  J.  B.  T.  which  the  compilers 
would  not  deem  appropriate  to  the  Memoir,  not  coming 
within  the  design  of  the  book.  Some  of  these  contain 
the  very  acceptable  testimonies  to  the  worth  of  a  rela- 
tive and  friend,  and  must  be  precious  to  the  persons  for 


X  INTRODUCTION. 

whom  they  were  designed.  And  there  are  still  other 
letters  written  at  the  time  of  Mr.  Taylor's  illness ;  some 
by  the  venerated  man,  (now  no  more)  who  commenced 
the  Memoir,  and  some  by  his  connexions  ;  all  of  which, 
-at  the  time,  the  compilers  would  have  felt  a  delicacy  in 
presenting  to  the  public.  These  contain  many  allusions 
and  much  minute  detail  relative  to  the  last  hours  of  Mr. 
Taylor,  which  could  not  be  thrown  into  the  Memoir, 
and  in  which  particulars  an  affectionate  relative  and 
partial  friend  are  greatly  interested  —  awakening  as 
such  detail  ever  does, their  willingly  indulged  sympathies. 
Beside  this,  a  further  number  of  Mr.  Taylor's  Diary, 
one  of  greater  interest  than  any  other  already  published, 
has  been  found ;  and  which,  it  seems,  was  not  in  the 
hands  of  the  compilers  of  the  Memoir.  This  number 
is  the  last  which  Mr.  Taylor  penned ;  and  it  contains 
an  account  of  the  closing  scenes  of  his  college-course  — 
his  entrance  on  his  studies  of  theology  —  his  efforts, 
and  his  exercises  of  heart  during  his  studies,  up  to  the 
time,  when,  in  New-Haven,  he  was  attacked  by  bleed- 


ing 


at  the  lungs 


Ci" 


INTRODUCTION.  Xi 

It  is  on  these  and  on  other  accounts  which  the  frienda 
of  a  lost  relative  will  at  once  appreciate,  that  this  volume 
has  had  its  origin ;  and  to  the  relatives  and  friends  of  Mr, 
Taylor  it  is  now  presented,  as  a  little  memento  addressed 
more  immediately  to  their  sympathies  than  the  Memoir 
itself. 


"^Jk  "     'l^^'.' 


SECTION  I 


It  will  not  come  within  the  purpose  of  the  writer  of 
Ihis  Tribute,  to  quote  the  letters  of  Mr.  Taylor  of  an 
earlier  date  than  the  time  of  his  graduating  at  Nassau- 
Hall,  Princeton,  New-Jersey.  And  previous  to  the  in- 
troduction of  his  letters  of  a  date  later  than  this  period, 
September,  eighteen  hundred  and  twenty-six,  it  is  the 
writer's  design  briefly  to  sketch  a  few  particulars  asso- 
ciated with  the  earlier  periods  of  Mr.  Taylor's  life. 
The  Memoir  speaks  thus  of  his  parentage. 

"James  Beainerd  Taylor,  son  of  Col.  Jeremiah 
Taylor  of  Middle-Haddam,  Connecticut,  was  born  on 
the  15th  day  of  April,  1801.     His  parents,  yet  Hvirg, 
are  in  the  communion  of   the    Protestant  Episcopal 
Church,  and  greatly  respected  in  the  circle  of  their  ac- 
quaintance.    On  the  mother's  side  he  was  connected 
with  the  family  of  Brainerd,  a  name  to  be  held  in  re- 
membrance as  long  as  the  devoted  zeal  of  the  self- 
denying  missionary  shall  be  had  in  honour.     On  the 
father's  side,  an  old  record  traces  up  the  lineage  to  a 
branch  of  the  family  of  Jeremy  Taylor.     But  while  no 
wise  man  ever  undervalued  the  benefits  of  being  born 
of  worthy  parents,  no  one  of  right  spirit  ever  relied  on 
this  providential  circumstance  to  bear  him  on  through 
life.    Our  character  depends  on  ourselves.    So  thought 

2 


14  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

James  Taylor.  And  while  he  honoured  and  revered 
his  parents  with  the  truest  filial  affection,  he  went  forth 
with  the  spirit  of  genuine  independence,  to  make  his 
own  way  in  the  world." 

Not  far  from  the  age  of  thirteen,  James  was  placed 
by  his  parents  at  a  school  in  Walling  ford,  Connecticut, 
His  personal  appearance  at  this  time  would  have  led 
to  the  supposition  that  he  was  some  two  years  older. 
His  elder  sister,  was  at  the  same  school.  James  at 
this  early  period  was  an  object  of  remark  for  his  fine 
personal  appearance.  His  own  disposition  rendered 
society  agreeable  to  him,  and  his  sister's  company  en- 
couraged his  intrpduction.  He  became  the  favorite  of 
the  evening  party,  and  of  the  promenade  after  school 
hours.  A  little  incident  occurring  years  afterwards, 
may  serve  to  confirm  this  remark.  It  was  the  year 
succeeding  J.  T.'s  death,  and  is  thus  narrated  in  a  let- 
ter from  one  of  his  brothers,  then  in  New-Haven,  to 
his  sister.  "  I  took  a  walk  after  service  this  evening, 
in  our  beautiful  burying-ground.  Some  one  bad  just 
been  interred,  and  a  large  number  of  persons  who  had 
joined  in  the  procession  were  returning.  Mrs.  P.,  an 
interesting  young  married  lady,  and  Miss  C,  of  your 
acquaintance,  were  with  me.  We  met  three  young 
ladies.  As  they  approached  us,  I  was  struck  with  the 
fine  personal  appearance  of  one  of  them,  and  asked 
Mrs.  P.  if  the  young  lady  were  an  acquaintance  of 
hers  ?     *  Yes,'   she  replied,   '  it  is  Miss ,  formerly 


JAMES    BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  15 

of .'     I  made  some  further  inquiries,  and  by  way 

of  excusing  them,  I  remarked,  that  I  once  heard  a  bro- 
ther of  mine,  James  Taylor,  say  that  he  was  acquainted 
with  an  interesting  young  lady  of  that  name,  when  he 
was  at  school  in  W.  'James  Taylor  !'  said  Mrs,  P., 
'  James  Taylor,  that  little  interesting,  curly-headed  boy, 
was  he  your  brother  1'  Yes,  madam,  I  replied,  and 
was  he  not  mte resting  ?  *  /  thought  so,'  said  Mrs.  P., 
as  she  advanced  towards  me  extending  her  hand,  and 
crimsoning  with  an  innocent  consciousness  of  having 
given  more  than  her  usual  emphasis  to  words  of  an  ac- 
cidental conversation.  You  may  suppose  the  incident 
gave  me  pleasure." 

After  leaving  his  school  at  Wallingford,  and  spending 
some  months  at  home,  he  left  the  parental  roof  for  his 
location  in  New-York.  It  was  regarded  as  a  favour- 
able circumstance  for  the  preservation  of  his  morals, 
and  the  formation  of  his  manners  and  character,  that  he 
had  two  elder  brothers  in  the  city,  who  it  was  beHeved 
by  their  parents,  were  governed  by  Christian  principles. 
His  boarding-house  also  was  selected  with  reference  to 
the  religious  character  of  the  family,  and  the  morality 
of  its  inmates.  In  this  particular  he  was  fortunately 
located.  Some  religious  acquaintances  which  he  formed 
at  this  early  period  of  his  residence  in  New-York  were 
not  unimportant  links  in  the  chain  of  Providence,  which 
bound  together  the  succeeding  incidents  that  formed  his 
future  character.     His  brothers,  ever  watchful  of  his 


16  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY    OF 

course,  brought  him  under  all  the  religious  influences 
which  his  circumstances  of  youth  and  their  religious 
connexions  in  the  sphere  of  their  circle,  permitted. 
He  became  the  visiter  for  a  Sunday  School  in  Saint 
George's  Church,  and  its  assistant  superintendant.  In 
the  discharge  of  the  office  of  the  first,  he  gained  famili- 
arity with  the  different  localities  of  the  city,  and  acquir- 
ed an  address  in  approaching  the  poor,  which  gave  him 
ever  after  an  air  and  manner  which  secured  their  confi- 
dence and  won  their  favour. 

At  this  period  he  was  introduced  to  a  lady  who  was 
generally  known  in  his  circle  as  excelling  in  the  beau- 
tiful piety  of  her  character,  and  who  was  esteemed  as 
having  a  happy  influence  upon  the  religious  feelings  of 
her  young  friends,  who  were  in  the  habit  of  visiting  her 
house.  This  lady  became  much  interested  in  his  cha- 
racter;  and  he  found  his  earliest  impressions  of  religion, 
and  his  desires  for  entire  conformity  to  the  principles 
of  the  Gospel  deepened,  by  this  favourable  intercourse. 
It  was  his  habit,  each  Sunday  evening,  to  repair  to  this 
friend's,  amd  by  request,  would  narrate  the  particulars 
of  the  discourses  to  which  he  had  listened  during  the 
day.  The  evening's  interview  was  always  attended  by 
the  reading  of  some  portion  of  the  Scriptures  and  pray- 
er. At  a  later  period,  this  reading  of  the  Scriptures 
was  accoinpanied  by  reflections  upon  the  passages 
read,  and  by  singing  —  there  generally  being  other  visit- 
ers of  the  family  present,  enough  in  number  to  render 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.         ""^  17 

their  meeting  a  social  religious  service.  Doubtless 
these  interviews  contributed  not  a  little  to  the  formation 
of  his  extemporaneous  powers,  which,  in  his  future  ex- 
ertions in  public  labours  for  the  advancement  of  rehgion, 
rendered  his  efforts  easy  to  himself,  and  successful  in 
their  results  to  others. 

It  was  the  privilege  of  the  writer  to  know  J.  T.'s 
religious  habits  from  two  years  after  his  arrival  in  the 
city,  until  he  left  it  to  pursue  his  studies  in  Lawrence- 
ville,  New-Jersey,  preparatory  for  college.  He  re- 
members that  he  was  in  the  habit  of  general  attendance 
upon  the  religious  meetings  frequently  occurring  in  the 
city  at  this  time,  having  for  their  purpose  the  furthering 
of  the  Christian  enterprises  of  the  day,  and  other  eve- 
ning meetings  of  his  church  and  Sunday  School.  When 
returning  from  these,  it  was  his  custom  to  enter  his 
room,  and  devote  some  hours,  before  retiring,  to  the 
perusal  of  books.  His  library  was  principally  compos- 
ed of  religious  works.  That  these  works  had  a  mate- 
rial effect  in  the  formation  of  his  religious  character, 
must  be  obvious  to  a  person  who  reads  his  memoir 
with  an  acquaintance  with  the  authors  that  at  this  time 
principally  composed  his  library.  Some  of  these  works 
were  Bunyan's  Pilgrim's  Progress,  and  his  Holy  War. 
The  Works  of  President  Edwards.  Baxter's  Saints' 
Rest.  JMason^s  Remains,  JMrs.  Roive^s  Poems,  and 
also  her  devotional  exercises,  compiled  by  Dr.  Watts. 
Dr.  Watts  on  the  Mind,  and  his  Lyrics  were  also  read 
2* 


18  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

by  him  —  the  first,  with  the  greatest  attention,  as  it  most 
justly  merits  from  every  young  man,  as  we  would  infer 
from  the  admiration  with  which  Dr.  Johnson  was  in  the 
habit  of  speaking  of  it.  In  his  Critic  he  thus  remarks  : 
"  Few  books  have  been  perused  by  me  with  greater 
pleasure  than  this  "  Improvement  of  the  Mind,"  of 
which  the  radical  principles  may  indeed  be  found  in 
Locke's  conduct  of  the  Understanding,  but  they  are  so 
expanded  and  ramified  by  Watts  as  to  confer  upon  him 
the  nnerit  of  a  work  in  the  highest  degree  useful  and 
pleasing.  Whoever  has  the  care  of  instructing  others, 
may  be  charged  with  deficiency  in  his  duty,  if  this  book 
is  not  recommended."  And  I  add  here  the  concluding 
remark  of  Dr.  J.  on  the  character  of  Watts.  "  Happy 
will  be  that  reader  whose  mind  is  disposed,  by  his 
verses  or  his  prose,  to  imitate  him  in  all  but  his  non-con" 
formity  —  to  copy  his  benevolence  to  man,  and  his 
reverence  to  God." 

It  may  be  stated  here  with  propriety,  without  adding 
to  the  fist  of  volumes  from  his  early  library,  that  DobeWs 
Hymns  were  his  familiar  companion.  I  state  this  by 
way  of  noticing  an  omission  in  the  memoirs  of  J.  B. 
T.  His  practice  in  his  private  devotions,  was,  to  ac- 
company them  almost  invariably  with  singing.  His 
voice  was  esteemed  peculiar  for  its  sweetness,  and  yet 
more  peculiar  for  its  modulations,  which  always  corres- 
ponded with  the  sentiment  of  the  lines  which  he^sung. 
His  feelings  led  him  to  the  selection  of  the  pathetic  in 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  19 

uiusic ;  and  it  has  been  elsewhere  remarked  by  one  who 
knew  of  the  circumstances,  that  most  of  the  tunes  of 
the  collection  contained  in  the  "  Christian  Lyre,"  were 
suggested  by  Mr.  Taylor.  Aware,  from  the  effect  up- 
on his  own  feelings,  of  the  power  of  music  in  exciting 
the  agreeable  and  the  devotional  in  emotion,  he  is  re- 
membered among  his  friends,  and  by  the  communities 
among  whom  he  laboured,  to  have  possessed  a  happy 
command  of  the  feelings  of  others  by  the  appropriate 
adaptation  of  hymns  and  suitable  tunes  to  the  occasions 
of  a  friendly  interview,  and  of  social  and  public  meetings. 
In  his  visits  to  the  sick,  his  familiarity  with  appropriate 
hymns  and  the  pathetic  tune  was  often  made  to  contri- 
bute to  the  conviction  and  the  comfort  of  the  sinner  and 
the  saint.  If  he  found  the  sick  person  in  a  state  of 
mental  stupor  as  the  result  of  physical  disease,  he  not 
unfrequently  perceived  that  the  singing  of  a  few  stan- 
zas of  some  feeling  hymn  would  rouse  the  mental  powers 
of  the  invalid  to  a  state  even  of  excited  attention  to  the 
conversation  he  might  wish  to  hold.  And  there  are 
many  pious  hearts  that  will  remember  the  soothing 
l>ower  of  his  voice  while  at  their  bedside  he  has  sung, 

"When  languor  and  disease  invade 

This  trembhn^'  house  of  clay, 
'Tis  sweet  to  look  beyond  this  scene 

And  long  to  fly  away."  etc. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  remained  in  New- York 
advancing  in  the  beauty  of  his  religious  character,  and 


20  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY   OP 

in  the  increasing  elegance  of  his  person,  some  four 
years,  in  the  relation  of  a  merchant's  clerk.  He  was  be- 
loved by  all  who  formed  his  acquaintance,  and  admired 
by  all  whom  he  met ;  and  it  was  a  source  of  the  purest 
gratification  to  his  Christian  friends  when  they  heard  of 
his  purpose  of  leaving  his  mercantile  pursuits  to  prepare 
for  the  ministry.  They  thought  that  a  spirit  so  benevo- 
lent and  pure  should  find  a  wider  and  more  elevated 
sphere  for  the  indulgence  of  its  aspirations  of  good  in- 
tent towards  the  souls  of  his  fellow  men.  His  relatives 
were  willing  that  he  should  sacrifice  the  worldly  afllu- 
ence  which  seemed  in  prospect  as  the  certain  result  of 
the  circumstances  in  which  he  was  then  placed,  for  the 
more  congenial  calling  to  a  spirit  swelling  with  so 
much  benevolence  towards  his  fellow  men,  and  of 
ardency  of  piety  towards  his  God. 

The  year  closed ;  and  with  it,  the  mercantile  em- 
ployments of  young  Taylor.  In  looking  back  to  this 
period  of  his  life,  he  always  reflected  upon  his  location  in 
New-York  as  a  providence,  for  which  he  was  ever  thank- 
ful, in  its  relation  to  the  part  he  expected  afterwards  to 
act  in  the  world.  New- York  is  a  world  in  epitome.  It 
is  an  emporium,  where  the  great  and  the  small,  the  good 
and  the  bad,  the  vast  and  the  circumscribed  alike  con- 
centrate. It  is  a  school  for  wisdom  and  virtue,  as  well 
as  the  repository  of  ignorance,  and  a  theatre  for  dissipa- 
tion. It  is  a  place  for  the  favourable  formation  of  man- 
ners, as  well  as  a  scene  of  temptation  which  has  vitiated 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  21 

the  habits  and  ruined  the  characters  of  thousands  which 
began  to  open  with  refinement,  beauty,  and  elegance. 
It  was  here  that  James  Taylor  commenced  his  study  of 
men,  manners,  and  things.  He  saw  them  upon  a  large 
scale.  His  intercourse  was  with  individuals  from  many 
parts  of  the  world,  and  all  parts  of  the  union.  And  the 
sphere  of  business  in  which  he  was  engaged  being-  on 
an  extensive  scale,  caused  him  of  necessity  to  look  at 
things  through  the  medium  of  large  numbers.  And  the 
remark  is  a  just  one,  that  a  man's  mind  may  generally 
be  measured  by  the  objects  about  which,  from  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  person,  his  mental  powers  are  em- 
ployed. The  consequence  of  such  a  location  to  James 
Taylor,  therefore,  was,  that  he  left  New- York  in  Jan- 
uary, 1820,  a  young  man,  with  a  knowledge  of  human 
nature  —  with  a  refinement  of  manners  —  and  a  general 
knowledge  of  the  world,  which  but  few  young  men  have 
carried  along  with  them  in  their  preparations,  afterwards, 
to  influence  that  world.  And  as  the  result  of  this,  when 
he  reached  the  Academy  in  Lawrenceville,  he  was 
deemed  already  a  man  in  experience ;  and  he  at  once 
entered  on  those  exertions  of  religious  effort  which 
secured  the  admiration  of  his  friends  for  their  correct- 
ness in  judgement,  and  their  success  in  results. 


SECTION  II. 


On  the  13th  of  January,  1820,  Mr.  Taylor  arrived  at 
Lavvrenceville.  This  village  is  four  or  five  miles  from 
Princeton,  New- Jersey.  The  village  being  situated 
gome  two  miles  from  the  main  road,  which  runs  from 
Princeton  to  Trenton  and  Philadelphia,  it  is  a  retired 
location.  The  scenery  around  it  comports  with  the 
stillness  and  retirement  of  the  place.  The  elevation  of 
the  hills  are  but  slight,  and  the  depression  of  the  vallies 
only  sufficient  to  render  the  fields  agreeably  undulating. 
The  church  edifice  is  of  a  date  earlier  than  the  revolu- 
tion, and  was  witness  to  some  of  its  warlike  scenes  in  its 
neighbouring  fields,  and  within  its  own  walls.*     The 

*  Among  other  incidents  that  occurred  here,  was  one,  which 
showed  the  sagacity  of  a  war-horse.  An  American  out-post  was 
stationed  here,  when  the  army  was  in  the  neighbourhood.  A 
scout  from  the  post,  sent  to  reconnoiter  the  enemy,  was  seen  the 
succeeding  morning,  making  back  his  M'ay  at  the  top  of  his  speed, 
chased  by  three  Hessians.  The  scout  leaped  the  brook  within  a 
few  rods  of  the  church.  The  foremost  of  the  pursuers  followed 
on,  but  received  at  the  instant  of  his  leaping  the  rur^near  the 
church,  a  rifle  ball  from  a  concealed  American  soldier.  The 
Hessian  fell,  but  a  blast  from  the  bugle  of  the  two  retreating 
Hessians  recalled  the  third  horse,  which  wheeled  at  the  sound  of 
the  bugle,  and  regained  the  side  of  his  companions. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  23 

/ural  walks,  of  this  village  are  pleasant.  The  one  which 
young  Taylor  was  in  the  habit  of  mostly  frequenting, 
extended  back  of  his  boarding-house.  It  led  up  a  gentle 
acclivity,  from  the  top  grounds  of  which,  the  mellowed 
scenery  below  could  be  seen  to  some  extent.  During 
the  summer,  not  a  fair  morning  passed  which  did  not 
witness  him  upon  this  walk.  The  orchards  in  the 
neighbourhood,  and  various  fruit-trees  in  their  season  of 
blossom,  gave  their  rich  perfume  to  the  air.  The 
readers  of  J.  T's  memoir,  will  remember  that  he  had  a 
retired  spot,  where  it  was  his  habit  to  pour  forth  the  emo- 
tions of  his  heart,  in  the  language  of  prayer.  It  lay  in  the 
direction  of  the  walk  which  I  have  described.  At  the  love- 
ly hour  of  morning,  and  generally  at  the  mellowed  moment 
of  the  evening,  he  sought  this  consecrated  spot.  His 
path  lay  through  grounds,  from  which  the  soft  landscape 
described  was  seen.  Three  years  he  spent  amid  this 
scene  of  stillness,  retirement,  and  summer-beauty.  Can 
any  of  his  friends  recall  the  softened  character  of  his 
amiable  disposition  —  the  beauty  of  his  lovely  piety  — 
or  even  the  soothing  intonations  of  his  mellow  voice,  and 
not  associate  them  with  these  scenes,  and  admit  the 
mystic  power  which  nature  has  over  the  delicate  suscep- 
tibilities of  a  refined  soul  1 

There  was,  just  preceding  this  period,  a  young  man 
at  the  Academy,  in  Lawrenceville,  who  occssionally 
walked  the  same  path.  But  not  like  James  Taylor  did 
he  reach  a  secret  kneeling  spot  that  lay  beyond.     One 


24  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

morning,  half-way  up  the  ascent,  he  was  found  sus- 
pended by  his  handkerchief  to  the  Hmb  of  a  tree,  an  un- 
fortunate suicide.  The  cause  was  only  left  to  conjec- 
ture. The  night  preceding,  he  was  in  company  in  his 
usual  spirits,  so  far  as  was  remembered.  The  unhappy 
youth  was  interred  in  the  burial  grounds  of  the  church 
alluded  to,  and  his  associates  planted  a  willow  at  his 
grave.  The  willow  is  still  growing,  but  instead  of 
leaning  over  the  grave  of  the  suicide,  as  it  was  inclined 
at  its  planting,  it  has  shot  forth  in  a  different  direction. 
These  two  youths  often  trod  the  same  path  while  at  L., 
but  how  different  was  their  end.* 

I  here  quote  but  a  single  one  of  his  many  allusions 
to  his  frequent  walks  along  this  path  for  recreation, 
meditation,  and  devotion.  "  I  took  my  accustomed 
walk  with  a  heart  full  of  gratitude  to  the  Lord  for 
my  sweet  and  cheerful  hopes.  I  thought  this  might  be 
my  last  walk  along  that  oft-frequented  path,  as  my  time 
at  Lawrenceville  is  coming  to  a  close.  What  a  delight- 
ful retreat  this  has  been  to  me  !  But  this  evening,  I 
agonized  in  spirit  as  I  had  never  done  before,  in  prayer 

for  this  people.     While  thus  engaged  I  met ,  and 

with  streaming  eyes  I  addressed  him.     He  wept.     The 
Lord  bless  his  soul  with  conversion  !     As  I  left  him  I 

*  The  tree  alluded  to,  was  as  described,  when  observed  some 
few  years  since.  It  was  pointed  out  to  the  writer  as  a  curiosity, 
though,  of  course,  the  peculiarity  of  its  growth  was  considered  as 
an  accidental  circumstance. 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  25 

wrestled  in  prayer  for  him,  and  for  our  neighbours.  My 
soul  was  pressed  down  with  the  weight  of  anxiety.  I 
felt  for  their  eternal  interests.  When  1  arrived  at  the 
memorable  tree,  I  fell  before  the  Lord  to  vent  my  sor- 
rows there.  0  !  the  longing  I  had  for  this  people.  All 
I  asked  was,  for  Christ's  sake,  that  salvation  might  come 
to  them.  While  thus  weeping  before  my  Heavenly 
Father,  an  aged  man  drew  near.  I  saw  him,  but  did 
not  rise  from  my  knees ;  and  as  he  came,  I  spoke  to 
him  and  testified  of  the  love  of  Jesus.  I  found  he  had 
no  religion.  I  addressed  him  plainly  and  with  a  full 
heart.  He  soon  wept,  and  wished  me  to  pray  with 
him,  and  for  him.  I  did,  with  earnestness  and  with 
tears  ;  and  then  exhorted  him  to  repent  and  to  come  to 
Christ  now.  He  left  me  with  apparent  concern.  The 
Lord  save  his  soul  and  let  it  not  be  in  vain  he  came 
here.     He  said  he  thought  the  Lord  had  sent  him." 

On  the  22d  of  September,  1823,  Mr.  Taylor  passed 
his  last  examination  in  the  Academy,  at  Lawrenceville, 
and  delivered  his  oration  on  Science,  with  the  valedic- 
tory  address  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day.  "  Thus," 
he  says,  "  ended  my  academical  course.  May  the 
Lord  by  his  good  providence  direct  me  in  my  future 
goings,  and  lead  me  on  to  final  victory  and  heavenly 
glory." 

The  impression  which  his  intercourse  left  upon  the 
society  in  Lawrenceville,  was  one  of  abiding  interest. 
He  was  ever  welcomed  to  their  circles ;  and  he  never 
3 


26  JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR. 

left  them  without  having  deepened  the  impression  of 
admiration  and  attachment  for  his  person  and  character. 
Many  yet  cherish  welcome  recollections  of  that  inter- 
course, and  say,  as  they  review  the  impressions  which 
he  left  upon  their  minds,  '*  We  have  never  met,  in  an- 
other, such  sweetness  of  disposition  —  such  a  noble  con- 
tempt of  earth  —  such  heavenly-mindedness  of  soul  — 
such  entire  devotion  of  the  whole  being  to  his  God  and 
Saviour  —  such  earnest  desire  to  promote  his  Master's 
cause  in  bringing  all,  within  his  sphere,  to  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  truth.  And  united  with  all  this,  there  was 
a  form  and  manner  of  such  peculiar  loveliness  and 
grace,  that  it  was  truly  a  beauty  and  consistency  of 
character  in  him,  such  as  to  our  minds,  rendered  him  a 
more  perfect  model  than  in  any  other  instance  we  have 
known.*' 


SECTION    III. 


It  was  with  a  grateful,  but  an  aching  heart,  such  as 
friends  feel  in  separation,  that  James  Taylor  left  Law- 
renceville.  His  heart  was  made  for  friendship,  and  he 
fully  reciprocated  the  kind  feelings  with  which  he  had 
been  regarded  during  his  residence  of  nearly  three  years 
in  this  village  of  estimable  people.  He  threw  himself 
into  the  stage  coach  which  conveyed  him  to  New- 
Brunswick;  thence  by  steamboat  he  reached  New-York. 
Among  his  friends  in  the  city  he  spent  some  days,  then 
left  for  his  father's,  on  the  Connecticut.  A  week  of  his 
time  during  the  interval  between  his  .leaving  Lawrence- 
ville,  and  his  return  to  Princeton  to  enter  Nassau- 
Hall,  he  spent  in  the  family  of  his  friend,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Hotchkiss  of  Saybrook.  He  was  then  on  his  way 
from  his  home  to  Princeton  college.  He  left  Saybrook 
for  New- York  in  a  vessel  commanded  by  Capt.  W. 
He  writes  thus :  "  Our  number  consisted  of  the  captain, 
two  hands,  four  passengers,  two  children,  and  myself. 
We  had  proceeded  about  twenty  miles  when  the  wind 
increased  and  blew  violently.  In  the  midst  of  the  gale 
our  boom  unshipped,  and  left  us  in  a  perilous  condition. 
The  prospect  was,  that  we  should  be  capsized  and 
awallowed  in  the  waves.  All  above  was  terrific.  The 
billows  dashed.    The  sea  roared.    The  winds  howled. 


28  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

The  hail  rattled.  All  below  was  solemn.  We  thought 
on  solemn  subjects  —  death !  a  watery  grave !  the  hai 
of  God !  heaven !  hell !  The  captam  I  believe  to  be  a 
godly  man.  One  more  on  board,  beside  myself,  had  a 
hope  which  was  as  an  anchor  to  the  soul.  The  rest 
were  unreconciled  to  God.  Alas!  their  prospect  was 
despair.  I  thought  indeed  that  I  was  nearer  my  heav- 
enly home  than  to  my  father's  house.  It  seemed  that 
there  was  but  a  step  betwixt  me  and  death.  But  in  the 
midst  of  the  alarm  God  was  with  me,  to  allay  all  turbu- 
lence within.  I  looked  to  him  for  a  promise  and  he 
graciously  gave  me  this.  "  Fear  not,  for  I  am  with 
thee."  It  was  sweet  to  my  taste  ;  and  made  me  strong 
while  I  lay  in  my  berth,  revolving  it  in  my  mind  and 
calmly  waiting  the  issue,  not  knowing  but  the  next 
surge  would  enter  and  fill  the  cabin,  and  end  my  life. 

"  A  young  lady,  one  of  those  who  experienced  reli- 
gion at  Saybrook  while  I  was  there,  was  quite  compos- 
ed. But  another  —  0,  how  different !  O,  her  apparent 
penitence  —  her  cries  for  mercy  —  her  weeping  eyes,  in 
the  prospect  of  death  and  damnation!  To  me  she 
came  for  help ;  but  not  to  myself —  to  Christ  I  directed 
her.  Alas  !  the  infatuation  of  mortals,  to  put  off  pre- 
paration for  eternity  till  the  hour  of  danger.  But  thanks 
to  the  Lord  of  deliverance.  His  arm  was  stretched  out 
for  our  relief  We  were  soon  moored  in  a  harbour,  and 
rode  out  the  gale  in  safety. 

"  I  found  my  friends  exceedingly  kind,  both  at  homo 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  29 

and  in  New- York.  The  Lord  reward  my  parents,  bro- 
thers, and  «isters  for  their  kindness  to  their  son  and 
brother.  I  doubt  not  that  in  this  Ufe  they  shall  have  a 
hundred  fold ;  and  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just,  be 
acknowledged  as  helpers  of  the  helpless." 


3* 


SECTION   IV. 


From  New- York  Mr.  Taylor  reached  Princeton,  New- 
Jersey.  On  the  6th  of  November,  1823,  he  was  exam- 
ined and  admitted  a  member  of  the  Sophomore  class, 
in  the  college  of  Nassau-Hall. 

His  residence  at  Lawrenceville,  five  miles  distant, 
had  already  given  him  some  acquaintances  in  Prince- 
ton. He  was  not  therefore  a  stranger,  in  a  strange 
place.  There  were  families  here  who  had  heard  of  his 
interesting  character,  and  others  who  knew,  from  their 
own  acquaintance,  the  loveliness  and  depth  of  his 
piety,  and  the  unaffected  simplicity  and  elegance  of  his 
manners.  As  a  known  candidate  for  the  ministry,  he 
had  attended  some  of  the  exercises  at  the  Theological 
Seminary  ;  and  while  at  Lawrenceville,  he  became  ac- 
quainted with  numbers  of  the  theological  students,  who 
occasionally  visited  that  place.  He  found  among  some 
of  these,  on  his  arrival  at  Princeton,  kindred  spirits,  and 
all  of  them  were  ready  to  give  him  the  hand  of  cordial 
welcome  to  the  town. 

Mr.  Taylor  entered  upon  the  duties  of  college  aware 
of  the  general  sentiment  which  prevails,  that  a  course 
of  study  at  our  public  institutions  is  unfavourable  to  the 
enjoyment  of  a  high  state  of  religious  feeling.  But  we 
hear  him  exclaiming  in  the  exultation  of  a  happy  frame 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  31 

of  mind,  three  days  after  his  entrance  within  the  walb 
o£  Nassau-Hall,  "Religion  can  be  enjoyed  in  college. 
Lord,  amid  so  much  iniquity  keep  me  spotless,  and 
make  me  useful." 

Young  Taylor  had  not  been  located  long  in  Prince 
ton,  before  he  sought  out  a  field  for  the  indulgence  of 
his  unceasing  and  ever  earnest  desire  for  religious  ef- 
fort. The  way  was  opened  ;  and  his  success  has  been 
partly  told  in  his  memoir.  His  influence  was  felt  in 
town.  It  was  acknowledged  by  the  increased  devotion 
on  the  part  of  some  of  the  students  of  the  Theological 
Seminary.  And  in  college,  he,  at  least,  solved  the  pro- 
blem long  held  in  dubio,  whether  a  Christian  student 
in  our  public  institutions  can  sustain  his  religious 
character,  and  enjoy  religion  throughout  his  collegiate 
course.  He  did  sustain  his  elevated  standard  of  reli- 
gious experience.  He  did  enjoy  a  continued  state  of 
devotion.  And  what  he  did  and  enjoyed,  is  practicable 
to  all.  As  he  entered  college,  so  he  left  it,  only  with 
his  religious  character  immensely  yet  more  elevated  in 
Christian  enjoyment,  and  in  fixedness  of  Christian  prin- 
ciple beyond  his  experience  at  the  moment  of  his  be- 
coming a  member  of  college  ;  although,  at  that  time, 
his  religious  character  had  reached  a  point  on  the  scale 
of  religious  experience  and  enjoyment,  which  it  seems 
but  few  attain  during  their  lives  on  earth.  Witness  his 
testimony  at  the  end  of  his  college- course,  taken  from 


82  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

his  recovered  Diary,  and  compare  it  with  the  earnest 
gpostrophe  at  his  entrance. 

"This  day  ends  my  college-course  within  these 
walls.  The  class  was  dismissed  before  noon.  Among 
those  who  received  honours  my  name  was  mentioned  — 
consequently,  had  an  appointment  for  Commencement, 
six  weeks  hence.  Thus  ends  the  round  which  brings 
me  to  another  starting  point.  The  next  immediate 
goal  for  which  I  am  to  aim  in  my  application  to  study, 
is  the  post  of  theology. 

"  In  view  of  my  college-life,  my  soul  has  just  now 
been  most  deeply  humbled  before  God,  for  I  have  seen 
so  many  defects.  This  is  the  epitome  of  my  history  in 
every  succeeding  stage  of  my  past  life  —  mercies  and 
SINS.  Perhaps  my  heart  was  never  so  deeply  affected 
with  an  humbling  view  of  my  nothingness  before  God- 
I  was  ready  to  banish  myself,  and  wholly  to  sink  into 
insignificance.  Out  of  these  depths  I  cried  for  help. 
My  strength  was  greatly  recovered.  A  blessed  blessing 
—  A  RICH  cLosiNG-ANTEPAST  —  the  bcst  of  the  winc  at 
the  last  of  the  feast.     Praise  the  Lord,  0  my  soul. 

**  In  view  of  the  ministry,  the  question  rose  meltingly 
tQ  my  mind.  Should  the  Lord  bid  you  to  relinquish  this 
your  object,  would  you  turn  aside  to  another?  0,  how 
my  heart  and  eyes  were  affected ;  but  my  whole  soul 
cried  out.  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done  !  I  said,  I  do 
not  deserve  the  office.  I  never  did.  Yet,  how  I  longed 
for  this,  and  prepai'ation  fully  meet  for  it. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  33 

"  At  the  same  time,  had  enlargement  of  soul  in  pray- 
ing for  professor  H.,  who  has  been  made  such  a  spiritual 
blessing  to  me.  And  also  for  professor  P.,  both  of 
whom  I  love.  I  asked,  too,  in  behalf  of  the  faculty,  and 
meltingly  pleaded  for  the  students.  I  wept  over  my  un- 
faithfulness to  them,  and  hoped  the  Lord  healed  all  my 
backslidings,  and  received  me  graciously,  and  loves  me 
freely." 

This  is  the  language  with  which  James  Taylor  ends 
his  collegiate  course.  How  did  he  enter  upon  it  ?  By 
prayer.  How  did  he  continue  it?  By  prayer.  How 
did  he  end  it?  By  prayer.  He  commenced  it  with 
tears  of  gratitude  and  devotion.  He  continued  it,  weep- 
ing with  compassion  for  his  fellow-students,  and  with  re- 
ligious joy  in  his  own  soul.  He  ended  it  by  pouring  out 
his  tears  of  gratitude  to  his  God  —  of  affectionate  regaCrd 
towards  his  professors  —  and  of  concern  for  his  fellow- 
students.  See  him  on  his  knees  —  the  christian 
STUDENT — just  on  the  eve  of  leaving  the  halls  where 
he  had  acquired  knowledge  —  literature  —  and  science 
t — disciplined  his  mind —  enjoyed  a  three  years  of  near 
and  happy  communion  between  his  soul  and  his  God  — 
and  now,  ere  the  sun  shall  again  have  set,  he  is  to  be  on 
his  way  from  the  never-to-be-forgotten  retreat  of  his 
manly  studies.  He  is  on  his  knees.  He  reviews  the 
past*  He  remembers  the  goodness  of  his  God.  He 
recalls  his  deficiencies.  The  tear  of  regret  and  love 
falls,  with  the  kindling  recollections  of  the  past.     He 


S4  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

aflfers  up  his  prayer  for  his  instructors.  Entreats  his 
God  to  shield  his  fellow-students,  and  asks  for  a  parting 
benediction  from  his  God,  to  rest  upon  the  Institution, 
which  he  is  now  to  leave.  His  prayer  is  ended.  His 
soul  has  been  melted.  He  rises  from  his  knees,  and 
writes  it  as  a  testimony  to  the  goodness  of  his  God, 
that  it  is  "  the  blessing  of  blessings  —  a  rich  closing  an- 
tepast  —  the  best  of  the  wine  at  the  close  of  the  feast.^^ 
Here,  at  the  close  of  the  college-life  of  Mr.  Taylor, 
we  might  pause,  and  dwell  upon  many  particulars,  which 
his  memoirs  would  suggest.  But  this  does  not  enter 
into  the  plan  of  this  sketch.  A  few  remarks,  however, 
may  be  added  previous  to  the  extracts  which  are  to  suc- 
ceed. It  was  the  privilege  of  the  writer  to  be  familiar 
with  the  habits  of  Mr.  Taylor,  during  the  two  last  years 
of  his  residence  at  Princeton.  He  was  always  seen  to 
be  the  agreeable  companion  to  those  who  were  in  the 
habit  of  familiar  association  with  him.  He  scarcely 
ever  possessed  a  sad  countenance.  His  features  had  a 
Eonile  ever  playir^  agreeably  upon  them  in  the  social  in- 
terview. Probably  no  one  ever  so  invariably  evinced 
by  the  soft  vivacity  of  his  features,  the  loveliness  of  the 
religion  of  Christ.  You  read  it  in  his  beautiful  counte- 
nance, lighted  up  by  that  indescribable  illumination 
which  a  spirit  that  is  happy  suffuses  over  the  features. 
There  was  never  aught  in  his  manners  that  could  dis- 
please. And  the  most  dissipated  and  reckless  were 
diaftrmed  during  his  interview  with  them,  however  much 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  35 

he  might  censure  their  course  and  urge  their  refdrm. 
But  it  is  not  at  all  surprising  that  a  person  who  acted  as 
did  James  Taylor,  during  his  college-course,  should  have 
awakened  a  spirit  of  opposition,  sometimes,  among  those 
who  felt  that  he  was  a  restraint  upon  the  free  contrivance 
and  successful  execution  of  their  plans  of  mischief  and 
sin.  No  man  was  ever  farther  from  being  a  cynic. 
None  more  happy  in  seeing  others  in  the  indulgence  of 
rational  enjoyment.  He  never  acted  the  part  of  a  cen- 
sor. Whenever  he  approached  another  to  counsel,  or  to 
dissuade,  and  to  urge  to  a  holy  life,  it  was  with  the  over- 
flowing benevolence  of  soul,  that  not  unfrequently  vented 
itself  in  tears.  It  is  not  every  Christian  that  can  thus 
feel ;  for  it  is  not  every  Christian  that  has  reached  such  a 
state  of  perfect  consecration  of  the  soul  to  Christ,  noi 
has  looked,  as  did  James  Taylor,  with  such  affecting 
sensibilities  at  the  responsibility,  and  exposure,  and  irre- 
parable interest  if  once  lost,  of  the  sinner.  These  re- 
marks are  made  with  reference  to  some  extracts  which 
are  to  be  given ;  and  which,  in  a  few  instances,  show  the 
sinner  to  be  provoked  by  the  truth. 

The  reader  of  the  memoir  of  J.  B.  T.,  will  have  marlj>- 
ed  the  following  passage  therein. 

"  We  regret  to  say  that  the  foregoing  extracts  termi- 
nate Mr.  Taylor's  Diary,  with  the  exception  of  a  small 
fragment,  kept  for  a  short  time  in  the  year  182S,  which 
shall  be  noticed  in  its  place.  It  is  plain,  indeed,  that 
this  valuable  exercise  had  been  followed  through  the  io- 


36  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY   OP 

tervening  time,  but  the  record  was  probably  destroyed 
by  himself,  as  it  was  not  found  among  his  papers.  We  re- 
gret this  the  more  because,  as  he  advanced  in  his  course, 
he  became  more  and  more  occupied,  so  that  his  letters, 
as  far  as  they  have  been  recovered,  are  not  so  numerous, 
and  for  the  most  part,  written  in  haste."  In  another, 
and  earlier  part  of  the  volume,  it  is  thus  remarked.  "  It 
is  a  matter  of  regret,  that  twelve  of  the  earliest  numbers 
of  Mr.  Taylor's  Diary  cannot  be  found.  There  are  five 
remaining  numbers,  beginning  with  No.  13,  which  bears 
date  the  1st  of  May,  1823." 

With  regard  to  the  first  twelve  numbers  here  alluded 
to,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  they  are  destroyed.  But 
an  additional  number  of  this  diary  has  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  the  writer  of  this  sketch.  It  is  my  purpose, 
therefore,  to  quote  it  here,  that  it  may  supply  the  chasm 
perceived  and  regretted  in  the  memoir.  The  last  two 
dates  quoted  in  the  remains  of  J.  B.  T.,  are  June 
21st,  and  July  2d,  1826.  The  first  date  in  the  number 
supposed  to  be  lost,  but  now  recovered,  is  July  4th,  two 
days  succeeding  the  last  extract  given  in  the  memoir. 

Previously  to  giving  extracts  from  the  diary  unpub- 
lished, I  here  quote  the  paragraphs  of  the  last  two  dates 
in  the  memoir,  that  the  connexion  may  be  seen. 

"  June  21, 1826.  The  consideration  that  I  have  besen 
three  years,  almost,  in  college,  without  conversing  with 
my  fellow-students,  upon  the  subject  of  their  religious 
responsibilities,  was  heart-breaking.     To  go  forward 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  37 

seeiTiC  d  to  be  too  heavy  a  cross.  What !  be  pointed  at? 
Be  subject  to  their  ridicule  and  reproach?  Do  this 
all  alone?  The  struggle  was  great,  but  it  came  to  this. 
Resolved,  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  by  his  help,  to 
begin  and  do  my  duty  in  college,  in  conversing  with  my 
companions  in  study,  I  repeated  the  resolution,  and 
afterwards  felt  much  relief.  0  !  that  some  would  come 
over  and  help.  But  if  not  a  soul  comes  to  my  help,  I 
am  to  see  and  converse  with  the  students  of  this  college, 
if  they  will  allow  it,  cost  what  it  will.  My  character 
is  not  worth  a  cent,  nor  my  influence,  nor  my  acquire- 
ments, aside  from  the  service  of  God.  0 !  for  help. 
While  at  prayers,  my  burden  left  me  in  consideration  of 
this  truth,  "  If  any  man  will  be  my  disciple  let  him  deny 
himself,  and  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  me."  While 
there,  I  determined  to  invite  a  class-mate  into  my  room, 
and  talk  with  him.  It  came  in  the  way,  but  my  heart 
well  nigh  failed  me.  But  I  addressed  him  —  he  follow- 
ed me  —  and  I  pray  God,  who  witnessed  the  interview, 
to  raise  in  power  to  his  own  glory,  what  was  sown  in 
weakness." 

"  July  2d,  Sabbath.  The  past  week  has  been  one  of 
crosses.  The  cross  which  I  laid  hold  on  with  so  much 
difficulty,  I  have  since  only  dragged.  With  twenty  im- 
penitent companions,  I  have  attempted  to  speak  in  refer- 
ence to  their  eternal  things.  The  mouths  of  most  were 
stopped.  They  listened  and  assented  to  the  truth.  I 
never  had  such  views  as  of  late,  of  some  passages  of 
4 


38  TRIBUTE    TO   THE   MEMORY   OF 

Scripture.  *  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  revile  you, 
and  persecute  you,  and  say  all  manner  of  evil  .against 
you  falsely,  for  my  sake.  Rejoice  and  be  exceeding 
glad,  for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven,  for  so  perse- 
cuted they  the  prophets  which  were  before  you.'  *  Who 
shall  harm  you  if  ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good.' 
'  It  is  sufficient  that  the  servant  be  as  his  master,  and 
the  disciple  as  his  Lord.'  '  If  they  have  persecuted  me 
they  ivill  also  persecute  you.'  '  Consider  him  that  en- 
dured such  contradiction  of  sinners  against  himself, 
lest  ye  be  weary  and  faint  in  your  minds ! '  'Ye  have 
not  yet  resisted  unto  blood,^  *No  weapon  formed 
against  you  shall  prosper.' 

"  The  long-suffering  patience  of  God  towards  sinners, 
daring,  God-hating  sinners,  such  as  I  once  was,  wears  a 
new  aspect.  If  I  hate  their  ways — if  I  am  pained  at 
their  wickedness  —  how  must  infinite  purity  look  upon 
them !  Surely  it  can  make  no  compromise  with  sin. 
The  least  sin  is  infinitely  hateful  in  the  sight  of  God,  and 
the  day  is  coming  when  his  enemies  must  feel  it  so  in 
their  dreadful  punishment. 

*'  The  honour  and  cause  of  God  were  never  more 
dear  to  me.  Last  evening's  devotions  were  peculiarly 
melting.  I  never  had  such  a  burning  desire,  and  such 
earnest  wrestlings  for  sinners  in  this  college.  I  wept 
sore,  and  left  the  cause  of  God,  and  the  honour  of  his 
great  name,  suspended  upon  his  righteous  sovereignty, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  39 

where  I  also  wish  to  hang.  It  was  a  time  of  sweet  re- 
lief.    I  gained  the  liberty  which  I  needed. 

"  In  view  of  my  late  attempts  here,  I  find  much  to 
humble  me.  I  asked  the  Lord  to  cast  the  veil  of  par- 
don over  my  best  deeds  —  best !  indeed  I  could  see  no 
goodness  in  them.  Had  a  refreshing,  melting  season  in 
the  meeting  with  the  brethren,  held  as  usual,  on  Satur- 
day night.  In  prayer  for  the  Holy  Ghost  to  be  poured 
out,  I  was  melted,  and  stopped,  and  repeated  the  cry  — 
Lord  Jesus,  come  quickly." 

These  are  the  last  dates  of  the  Diary,  as  given  in  the 
memoir.  And  the  compiler  remarks,  as  already  quoted, 
"  We  regret  to  say  that  the  foregoing  extract,  terminates 
jyir.  Taylor^  s  Diary."  But  the  writer  is  happy  to  have  it  in 
his  power  to  continue  the  extracts  from  this,  his  religious 
journal,  through  the  whole  of  another  number.  It  is  to 
be  regretted,  for  the  completeness  of  J.  T's  memoir, 
that  this  number  of  his  Diary  should  have  been  mis- 
placed. Without  it,  the  history  of  his  college-life  was 
incomplete,  and  so  felt  to  be.  But  the  extract  already 
given,  which  exhibits  the  closing  scene  of  his  college- 
course,  has  presented  to  us,  in  his  own  words,  the  thril- 
ling emotions  of  his  last  hour  within  the  college-walls, 
and  the  frame  of  mind  with  which  he  left  the  halls  of  his 
venerated  Alma  Mater,  where  he  had  spent  three  event- 
ful years  of  his  short  existence. 

I  shall  now  proceed  to  complete  the  extracts  from  his 
Diary  during  his  continuance  in  Nassau-Hall,  from  the 


40  TRIBUTE   TO  THE   MEMORY   OF 

point  where  they  were,  from  necessity,  in  his  memoir, 
abruptly  concluded.  The  last  date  was  July  the  2d. 
The  first,  in  the  succeeding  number  of  his  Diary,  now 
recovered,  and  here  to  be  quoted,  is  July  4th ;  and  his 
meditations  under  this  date  are  thus  recorded  :  — 

"  This  evening  the  bell  rung,  and  summoned  each 
man  to  his  post.  Another  bell  was  the  signal  to  illumi- 
nate the  windows  in  front.  I  was  on  my  knees  and 
alone^  conducting  our  stated  prayer  meeting.  By  and 
by  I  walked  out,  and  beheld  the  illumination  and  the 
crowd.  Did  some  hand  light  up  these  tapers?  *  God 
said,  let  there  be  light,  and  there  was  light.'  For  a  half 
hour  the  crowd  gazed  at  the  illumined  windows.  Had 
one  of  ten  of  them  during  their  lives  ever  spent  a  half 
hour  in  looking  at  their  hearts  in  the  light  of  conscience 
-—the  grave  —  the  bar  of  God  —  of  heaven  and  hell? 
Who  of  them  had  solemnly,  and  seriously,  and  prayer- 
fully retired,  even  once,  to  investigate  their  character? 
*  This  is  the  condemnation,  that  Light  is  come  into  the 
world,  and  men  loved  darkness  rather  than  light,  because 
their  deeds  were  evil.'  *  For  every  one  that  doeth  evil 
hateth  the  light,  neither  cometh  to  the  light,  lest  his 
deeds  should  be  reproved,'  —  or  lest  they  should  be 
brought  under  conviction.  Happy  they  *  into  whose 
hearts  God,  who  commanded  the  light  to  shine  out  of 
darkness,  hath  shined,  to  give  the  light  of  the  knowledge 
of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus  Christ.*  Assist 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  41 

me.  Holy  Spirit,  and  thus  fit  me  for  that  city  whose 
*  light  is  the  Lamb.' 

"  21st.  Have  had  much  hardness  of  heart  for  a  lime, 
owing  to  my  backwardness  in  conversing  with  the  stu- 
dents. Have  conversed  with  only  thirty-one,  whereas 
I  might  perhaps  have  done  it  with  all,  had  I  gone,  in 
season  and  out  of  season.  But  so  it  is.  And  this  cross 
I  have  rather  dragged  than  taken  up.  Lord,  Lord, 
help,  help,  for  on  whom  can  I  lean  but  on  thee  ?  This 
evening,  under  the  prayer  of  Mr.  H.,  an  oppressive  load 
which  has  called  forth  many  a  groan,  but  with  a  tearless 
eye,  began  to  remove.  As  he  addressed  us  from  the 
words, '  Put  on  therefore  as  the  elect  of  God,  holy  and 
beloved,  bowels  of  mercy,'  &c.,  the  depression  left  me, 
and  I  felt  free.  But  I  again  feel  a  weight  upon  me. 
Whether  it  be  the  heaviness  through  temptation,  or  what, 
the  Lord  remove  my  burden. 

"  Since  writing  last  have  had  a  visit  from  brother  S. 
and  Dr.  Blatchford. 

"  Have  felt  the  need  of  support  amidst  apprehension 
from  the  wicked,  who  hate  me.  God  forgive  them,  and 
change  their  hearts.  But  I  must  go  forward,  and  try  to 
do  my  duty,  if  I  but  drag  the  cross*  This  passage  has 
been  a  staff:  '  I  will  not  fear  what  man  can  do  unto  me.' 
Had  an  agony  of  soul  for  the  impenitent  around  me,  that 
they  might  be  saved.* 

*  A  few  months  previous  to  this  date,  we  find  the  following 
entry  in  his  journal,  as  given  in  the  memoir,  page  245.    "  While 
4* 


42  TRIBUTE   TO  THE    MEMORY  OF 

*'  Saturday  night  Since  writing  last,  my  exercises 
have  been  various,  and  highly  provoking  to  God ;  for, 
besides  other  sins,  I  have  acted  over  the  part  of  Jonah. 
But  this  evening  I  emerged  from  the  belly  of  hell.  Ever 
since  I  took  on  me  the  obligation  to  converse  with  my 

the  brethren  were  at  prayer  in  my  room  this  morning,  (as  usual 
on  Sunday  morning,)  a  letter  was  left  on  my  desk  by  the  serv- 
ant, of  which  the  following  is  a  copy : 

'  Sir :  You  are  suspected  d d  strong  of  having  informed 

the  faculty  of  the  misdemeanours  of  several  of  the  students. 
The  evidence  against  you,  though  circumstantial,  is  of  the  strong- 
est kind.  You  will  for  the  future  be  strictly  watched,  and  there- 
fore it  M^ill  be  prudent  for  you  to  visit  your  brothers,  the  tutors,  as 
seldom  as  possible  ;  for  if  detected,  your  punishment  is  inevitable. 
Do  not  treat  this  with  levity.  If  you  do,  you  must  suffer  the  con- 
sequences.' 

"  I  was  a  little  surprised  by  such  a  letter ;  but  the  charity  that 
'beareth  all  things,'  was  in  exercise.  My  soul  yearned  for  the 
unknown  individual  who  wrote  the  letter.  I  longed  with  weep- 
ing eyes  and  groans  which  could  not  be  uttered,  to  see  him  a  re- 
turning prodigal.  My  heart  broke,  too,  for  the  college.  I  wrote 
upon  the  letter,  '  Greater  is  he  that  is  for  me  than  all  they  that 
are  against  me.'  '  He  giveth  his  angels  charge  concerning  thee, 
lest  at  any  time  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone.'  I  add, 
*  Who  shall  harm  you,  if  ye  be  followers  of  that  which  is  good? 
The  Lord  is  on  our  side.' 

"A  report  is  in  circulation  that  some  individual  had  said,  he 
should  deem  himself  bound  to  report  to  the  faculty  the  bad  con- 
duct of  the  students.  Though  I  am  not  the  person,  probably  the 
suspicion  has  fallen  upon  mc.  Amen.  They  meant  it  for  evil ; 
God  meant  it  for  good." 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  43 

companions  in  study,  I  have  had  lucid  moments  only  at 
intervals  —  *  few  and  far  between.'  Instead  of  going  to 
all  this  Nineveh,  my  heart  has  embarked  for  Tarshish. 
I  thought  I  saw,  if  I  did  not  see,  the  call  clear,  and  the 
obligation  binding.  But,  alas !  ho^  I  have  fled  from  the 
presence  of  the  Lord !  Shame,  shame  to  me.  But  I 
must  bear  testimony  against  myself —  for  it  is  I  that  has 
done  this  evil.  And  oh !  how  have  the  winds  blown  up 
a  tempestuous  sea  all  within  me  —  not  to  speak  of  what 
has  gone  on  without.  Tearfulness  hath  seized  me.  I 
have  been  afraid  at  night,  from  a  consciousness  of  un- 
faithfulness. Oh  !  the  pauis  that  have  got  hold  of  me ! 
They  have  indeed  drank  up  my  spirits,  and  so  wasted 
my  spiritual  energies  that  I  may  say,  it  has  not  been  so 
with  me,  no,  not  since  that  eventful  hour,  four  years  ago 
last  April.  I  had  well  nigh  fallen  asleep  a  few  days 
since  on  this  subject,  and  given  it  up  as  to  direct  effort. 
But  'What  meanest  thou,  0  sleeper?  Arise.'  But,  I 
was  cast  overboard.  And  how  low  I  sunk !  And  even 
now  I  have  conversed  with  only  thirty-five.  Had  I  gone 
to  my  utmost,  I  perhaps  might,  at  least,  have  finished 
the  round.  But  so  it  is ;  and  I  have  been  more  than 
three  days  an  exile  from  God.  I  deserved  it,  probably 
more  than  Jonah,  although  I  have  gone  to  some  of  the 
Ninevites  in  so  lame  a  manner.  Having  been  brought 
out  of  the  deep  while  waiting  upon  God  at  evening 
prayer,  I  have  found  another  Ninevite  and  cried  against 
his  sins.     I  have  sought  for  others,  but  did  not  find 


44  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

them.  I  hope  to  find  more ;  and  will  the  Lord  give  me 
so  much  the  spirit  of  holiness  and  wisdom,  that  it  shall 
lead  me  in  the  right  way  ? 

"  What  may  I  learn  from  this  experience  ?  1 .  That 
there  is  no  voice  clearer  than  the  voice  of  God. 
2.  That  this  voice  is  a  precept.  3.  That  it  must  be 
obeyed,  or  the  consequence  must  follow,  viz.  be  thrown 
overboard.  4.  That  after  all  deraurrincr  nothinoj  is 
gained  but  an  accumulated  load  of  neglects  in  duty,  to 
be  remedied  only  by  immediate  attention  to  what  God 
has  already  bidden.  5.  That  to  keep  a  conscience 
clear,  which  God  may  have  blessed  the  soul  with,  by 
bringing  one  out  from  distress,  can  be  effected  only  by 
keeping  it  void  of  offence  in  the  discharge  of  duty. 
(J:;^  Be  wise  to  learn  from  experience. 

"  I  have  felt,  and  I  think  that  I  still  feel  stronger. 
But  how  weak  I  am !  True,  one  who  has  not  stood  just 
in  my  footsteps,  knows  not  the  peculiar  trials  which  I 
have  on  this  subject  of  conversing  with  my  associates. 
Nevertheless,  'Is  it  not  good  for  a  man  to  bear  the 
yoke  in  his  youth?  While  I  have  felt,  and  keenly 
felt  my  baseness  before  God,  and  wept  over  it  at  his 
feet  —  and  while  I  have  *  abhorred  myself  in  dust  and 
ashes,'  and  looked  upon  myself  as  a  '  worm  and  no 
man '  —  less  than  the  least  of  God's  mercies  —  still,  I 
adored  God,  that  he  was  high  and  lifted  up,  and  that 
he  was  infinitely  happy ;  and  that  angels  were  happy, 
and  tl^at  saints  were  happy.      While  pleading,  *  Lord, 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  45 

create  in  me  a  clean  heart,'  I  felt  that  the  petition  was  too 
big  for  utterance ;  through  groans  and  tears  I  breathed 
forth  my  desire,  and  I  added,  *  Renew  a  right  spirit 
within  me.'  The  utterance  of  these  words  was  attend- 
ed with  power  to  my  inmost  adoring  soul.  "  Lord,  cause 
the  bones  which  thou  hast  broken  to  rejoice  '  —  to  re- 
joice, not  in  myself,  for  there  is  nothing  in  me  —  I  am 
a.  good-for-nothing  J  but  in  Thee.  Here  my  enlarged 
capacities  grasped  and  received  a  portion  of  infinite. 
But  it  is  passing  detail,  or  description.  God  be  praised. 
When  I  had  fallen  before  him  I  felt  to  adopt  the  words 
of  Jesus  in  distress  — '  Not  my  will  but  thine,  0  Father, 
be  done.'  But  my  prayer  ended,  'Father,  if  it  be 
possible,  let  this  cup  pass.'  It  passed.  And  never 
more  is  it  to  be  drunk.  See  to  it  my  soul,  that  thou 
mix  not  up  another,  lest  a  worse  be  presented.  Live 
near  to  thy  God,  and  walk  with  him.  Be  willing  and 
obedient,  and  eat  the  good  of  the  land.  Go  and  feed 
in  green  pastures.  Lie  down  by  still  waters.  Seek 
not  to  overleap  the  boundaries  prescribed  by  the  Good 
Shepherd. 

"  This  but-end  of  the  cross  yet  remains  to  be  raised. 
*  My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee :  for  my  strength  is 
made  perfect  in  weakness.'  Thinkest  thou,  my  soul, 
that  God  will  not  be  with  thee  1  I  think  he  will.  And 
oh  !^he  must  be,  to  make  the  *  yoke  easy,  and  the  burden 
light.' 

"  Had  a  fraternal  and  affectionate  interview  with  dear 


46  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

brother  J.  H.  F.  He,  it  seems,  is  now  carrying  the 
cross  which  he  only  dragged  a  httle  time  since.  The 
Lord  is  blessing  his  labours ;  and  doubtless  will  reward 
his  fidelity.  Oh,  for  a  host  of  reapers  in  the  harvest. 
We  found  our  exercises  on  the  point  of  duty  to  be  coin- 
cident.    May  we  be  faithful  in  all  God's  hands. 

"  Sunday  evening.  Have  just  risen  from  my  kneel- 
ing place,  where  most  gracious  disclosures  of  God's 
perfections  have  been  made  to  my  soul.  My  spirit 
heaved  with  this  petition  —  that  God  would  signalize  his 
grace  in  making  a  display  of  it  in  me,  to  a  degree  as 
high  as  possible  in  this  world.  The  beauty  of  holiness 
captivated  my  inmost  powers.  0  how  precious !  The 
prospect  of  seeing  the  King  in  his  beauty  was  meltingly 
sweet.  I  feel  that  there  will  be  no  pain  when  the  soul 
of  the  disciple  of  Jesus  leaves  the  body  :  for,  said  he, 
I  will  come  again.  To  fall  into  his  arms,  and  be  con- 
veyed by  him  —  unspeakable  ! 

"  Sunday  evening,  August.  Had  a  signal  blessing. 
Its  communication  seemed  unlike  in  some  degree  from 
others,  that  is,  in  manner.  But  the  fact  is  of  more  im- 
portance. And  this  is  ascertained  only  by  effects.  I 
felt  the  need  of  such  a  blessing,  especially  in  view  of 
the  approaching  examination.  How  important  to  keep 
low  before  the  Lord.  '  He  that  exalteth  himself  shall 
be  abased.'  '  Though  the  Lord  be  high,  yet  hath  he 
respect  unto  the  lowly ;  but  he  knoweth  the  proud 
afar  off.' 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  47 

"  The  bestower  of  every  good  and  perfect  gift  re- 
members me.  Surely  my  history  is  a  history  of  mercies 
as  well  as  of  sin.  How  affectionate  and  how  kind  are 
my  relatives  which  have  been  given  me.  Thus  am  I 
under  increased  obligation  to  love  and  serve  the  Lord. 

"  Have  had  our  last  sitting  as  a  class  with  our  loved 
Professor  P.  The  first  time  I  met  him  in  the  class  was 
with  peculiar  and  most  cordial  sensations.  All  my  in- 
tercourse with  him  has  endeared  him  more  and  more  to 
me,  as  a  gentleman,  a  scholar,  and  a  Christian.  To-day 
he  finished  his  last  communication,  which  he  commenc- 
ed last  Saturday.  He  addressed  us  upon  the  literary, 
political,  moral,  and  religious  influence  which  we,  as  a 
class,  and  as  individuals,  ought  to  exert  in  after  life.  Aa 
they  should  have  been,  his  hints  were  practical. 

"  I  returned  to  my  room  and  thanked  the  Lord  for  the 
instruction  received  from  his  lips,  and  invoked  a  holy 
benediction  upon  my  most  respected  and  beloved  in- 
structor. Thus,  as  I  formed  the  connexion  with  pray- 
er, it  has  been  dissolved  with  prayer.  In  the  close  I 
heard  him  with  tears. 

"  Thursday.  This  day  closes  the  round  of  recitation 
in  my  college-course.  All  my  negligences.  Lord,  for- 
give. All  the  information  which  I  have  acquired,  sanc- 
tify to  the  best  uses.  How  thankful  ought  I  at  this  mo- 
ment to  be,  that  my  feet,  which  had  well  nigh  slipped 
and  turned  me  from  my  collegiate-course,  were  yet  in 
mercy  prevented,  and  guided  hither.       Astonishingly 


48  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

marked  has  been  my  return.  Ah,  this  makes  room  for 
infinites  to  act. 

*'  To-morrow  will  commence  the  final  examination. 
May  it  issue  with  flowings  of  thankfulness  from  my  heart 
to  Him,  in  whose  hands  are  all  my  future  destinies. 
The  Lord  knows  what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me. 

"  Friend  T.  and  myself  laid  down  last  night,  not 
knowing  but  we  might  be  attacked.  But  we  slept  in 
peace,  and  rose  refreshed,  for  the  Lord  sustained  us. 
May  our  ways  please  Him,  and  then  will  he  make  even 
our  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us.  Before  we  retired, 
we  provided  us  with  clubs  —  remembering  that  Gideon 
went  out  with  his  lamp  and  pitcher.  I  put  mine  aside, 
repeating, '  Not  a  hair  of  thy  head  shall  fall  to  the  ground 
without  thy  Father,'  and  fell  asleep,  and  slept  soundly." 

I  re-insert,  what,  in  this  connexion,  is  deemed  most 
worthy  of  repetition,  as  the  last  lines  penned  by  this 
sainted  young  man,  on  the  eve  of  his  leaving  the  walls 
of  Nassau-Hall.  They  stand  in  juxta-position  with 
the  last  extract  given,  and  are  the  last  note  of  his 
college-life. 

"  This  day  ends  my  college-course,  within  these 
walls.  The  class  was  dismissed  before  noon.  Among 
those  who  received  honours  my  name  was  mentioned. 
Consequently,  had  an  appointment  for  Commencement, 
six  weeks  hence. 

"  Thus  ends  the  round  which  brings  me  to  another 
starting  point.     The  next  immediate  goal  for  which  I 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  49 

am  to  run  in  the  further  prosecution  of  my  studies,  is 
the  post  of  Theology. 

"In  view  of  my  college-life,  my  soul  has  just  now 
been  most  deeply  humbled  before  God,  for  I  have  seen 
so  many  defects.  This  is  the  epitome  of  my  history 
in  every  succeeding  stage  of  my  past  life  —  mercies 
AND  SINS.  Perhaps  my  heart  was  never  so  deeply  af- 
fected with  an  humbling  view  of  my  nothingness  before 
God.  I  was  ready  to  banish  myself,  and  wholly  to 
sink  into  insignificance.  Out  of  these  depths  I  cried 
for  help.  My  strength  was  greatly  renewed.  A  bles- 
sed blessing  —  a  rich  closing  antepast  —  the  best  of  the 
wine  at  the  last  of  the  feast.  Praise  the  Lord,  0  my 
soul. 

"  Now  I  would  inscribe  in  view  of  the  past,  Jehovah- 
jirah,  the  Lord  will  provide,  and  take  courage. 

"In  view  of  the  ministry,  I  meltingly  inquired, 
*  Should  the  Lord  bid  you  relinquish  this  your  object, 
would  you  turn  aside  to  another?  0  how  my  heart  and 
eyes  were  affected!  But,  did  not  my  whole  soul  cry 
out,  '  Thy  will  be  done  V  I  said,  I  do  not  deserve  the 
office  —  1  never  did.  Yet  how  I  longed  for  this,  and 
preparation  fully  meet  for  it. 

"  Had  enlargement  of  soul  in  praying  for  Professor 
H.,  who  has  been  made  such  a  spiritual  blessing  to  me ; 
and  for  Professor  P.,  both  of  whom  I  love.  I  asked, 
too,  on  behalf  of  the  faculty ;  and  meltingly  pleaded 
for  the  students.  At  the  same  time  I  wept  over  my 
6 


50  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OP 

unfaithfulness  to  them,'  and  hoped  the  Lord  healed  all 
my  backslidings,  received  me  graciously,  and  loved  me 
freely." 

Can  any  one,  who  knew  the  writer  of  this  Diary, 
read  the  above,  and  not  pause  in  astonishment?  If 
such  a  man,  after  having  gone  through  the  struggles  of 
mind  as  we  read  them,  before  his  God,  in  behalf  of  his 
fellow- students  —  if  such  a  man,  after  putting  forth  the 
direct  effort,  by  personally  addressing  himself  to  his  as- 
sociates, urging  them  with  tears  to  become  the  follow- 
ers of  Jesus  —  if  such  a  man,  whose  conscientious  ac- 
tion has  excited  our  wonder,  and  whose  sanctity  of 
devotion  has  caused  us  to  tremble  as  we  approached  the 
holy  spot  of  his  kneeling-place  —  if  such  a  man  "  weeps 
over  his  unfaithfulness  "  as  he  bows  for  the  last  time  in 
his  college-chamber,  and  upbraids  himself  in  such  lan- 
guage as  we  have  read,  where  should  most  of  us  hide 
our  heads  ;  and  what  should  be  the  inexpressible  throes 
of  contrition  and  alarm  that  should  heave  our  bosoms  ? 
And  if  there  is  a  man  who  thinks  himself  amiable,  and 
just,  and  honourable,  and  with  a  character  that  looks 
fair  in  the  sight  of  his  God,  let  him  come  and  look  at 
this  anomaly,  as  he  must  think  it,  here  in  the  character 
of  James  Brainerd  Taylor,  and  wonder  that  he  has 
never  felt  his  degeneracy.  If  this  sainted  man  "  abhor- 
red himself  in  dust  and  ashes,"  and  deemed  himself  a 
"  worm,  and  no  man,"  and  "  keenly  felt  and  wept  over 
his  baseness  in  the  sight  of  God,"  and  felt  that  he  **  de- 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  51 

served  to  have  a  mill-stone  hanged  about  his  neck,  and 
be  anchored  in  the  depths  of  hell*  ;"  either  the  mind  of 
James  Taylor  was  beside  itself,  or  else  there  is  some- 
thing deeper  to  be  felt  by  a  pardoned  soul,  than  the 
wretched  pharasaical  trash,  "I  thank  thee,  0  God,  that 
I  am  not  as  this  publican.  I  give  tithes  of  mint,  and 
annis,"  and  so  on.  Who,  I  ask,  like  James  Taylor, 
did  all  these  things  1  Who  like  James  Taylor  gave  the 
last  copper  in  his  pocket,  and  "  then  went  and  begged 
more,"  and  as  the  almoner  of  God  "  sought  to  feed  the 
poor  and  to  clothe  the  naked?'  Whose  lovely  spirit 
ever  shined  forth  in  such  inexpressible  smiles  of  amia- 
bleness  as  lighted  up  his  beautiful  countenance,  and 
won  the  love  of  all  around  him  1  Whose  life  through  all 
its  course  was  ever  so  unspotted  —  so  irreproachable  — 
so  elevated  above  every  contaminating  contact  of  earth  ? 
Not  a  whisper  was  ever  lisped  against  his  purity,  from  his 
childhood  till  the  hour  in  which  he  sent  forth  the  last 
breath  that  conveyed  in  it  his  "  farewell  to  earth !" 
And  yet  see  him  on  his  knees  before  his  God.  It  is  not 
low  enough.  See  him  prostrate  himself  full  on  the 
floor.  It  is  not  low  enough.  He  would  get  still  lower, 
but  he  is  already  in  the  dust,  and  he  exclaims,  "For- 
give me,  0  Father  "  —  "  I  am  a  worm  and  no  man  "  — 
"  Though  I  should  be  sunk  in  hell,  I  will  rejoice  that 
Thou  art  happy  —  that  angels  are  happy  —  that  saints 
are  happy !" 

But  these  extracts  show  us,  as  before  we  have  hinted, 
*  Memoir. 


52  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

that  the  elevated  Christian  character,  and  high  state  of 
devotional  feeling  with  which  he  entered  upon  his  col- 
legiate duties  were  sustained,  and  yet  more  increased  in 
stability  and  depth.  His  college-story  is  now  told  in 
his  own  language.  It  is,  as  was  obviously  gathered 
from  the  memoir,  but  less  satisfactorily  and  full  than 
now  and  here.  We  have  seen  him  contending  against 
the  generally  supposed  tendencies  of  college-influences 
to  dampen  the  Christian  ardour,  and  to  render  vacilla- 
ting the  Christian  character  of  a  religious  youth.  That 
there  are  many  things  in  a  college-life  tending  to  such 
results,  may  not  be  questioned.  But,  in  the  apprehen- 
sion of  the  writer,  they  are  less  than  other  tendencies 
in  the  world,  to  produce  similar  effects.  If  the  moral 
character  has  already  been  fixed,  before  a  student  enters 
college,  his  situation  is  favourable  for  the  advancement 
of  his  religious  character.  Every  thing  there  is  carried 
on  with  system.  The  hours  that  call  him  to  his  various 
duties,  are  struck  upon  the  college-bell.  Books  for  his 
hours  of  recreation  are  at  his  hand.  The  services  of 
the  sanctuary  are  regularly  attended  within  the  walls. 
And  all  that  is  wanting  on  the  part  of  the  conscientious 
student,  is  a  fixedness  of  purpose  to  adhere  to  his  system 
of  religious  duties.  Let  him  adopt  James  Taylor's 
three  rules  for  college-life,  and  they  will  secure  to  him, 
in  college,  an  enviable  position  for  the  cultivation  of  the 
religion  of  the  heart.  These  rules  were  First  —  "  Take 
care  of  my  soul."     Second  —  **  Take  care  of  my  body." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  53 

Third  —  "  Take  care  of  my  studies."  In  college,  there 
is  nothing  that  need  disturb  the  hours  appropriated  for 
retirement.  The  mind  is  unharrassed  by  the  cares  of 
the  world.  Every  thing  is  tending  to  calm  and  to  com- 
pose. The  very  employments  are  furthering  the  habit 
of  thinking.  And  religion  is  a  thing  of  thought.  It  is 
an  object  of  faith  ;  —  and  devotion,  if  the  legitimate  pro- 
ducts of  the  principles  of  the  Bible,  must  be  the  result  of 
meditation.  If  there  is  dissipation  in  college,  this  is  not 
among  those  who  have  come  there  with  a  Christian 
character.  It  exists  among  the  hundreds,  who  devote 
their  leisure  hours  to  mischief.  That  college  has  not 
dangerous  temptations  for  youth,  whose  moral  principles 
are  unfixed  is  another  question.  We  are  speaking  of 
the  tendencies  of  college-life  towards  the  furtherance 
of  the  piety  of  a  religious  student.  He,  like  all  others, 
has  within  him  the  susceptibilities  to  which  the  rewards 
of  excelling  may  appeal.  Yet  he  may  be  allured  on  by 
these  in  his  application,  without  being  censurably  am- 
bitious. Ambition  which  embraces  in  it  moral  obliquity, 
commences  where  the  love  of  glory  leads  its  votary  in 
his  pursuit,  to  cross  some  prior  obligation  which  he  owes 
to  his  God.  The  first  rule  of  James  Taylor  will  remedy 
this.  And  wherein  emulation  leads  us  not  to  the  neglect 
of  our  moral  duties,  and  to  an  infringement  of  our  obli- 
gations to  God,  the  desire  of  excelling  is  laudably  in- 
dulged, and  intended,  like  other  susceptibilities  of  our 
nature,  for  our  augmented  happiness.  To  wrest  this 
6* 


54  JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR. 

desire  from  the  bosom  of  a  virtuous  person,  is  as  impos- 
sible, in  the  very  nature  of  his  being,  as  it  would  be  to 
take  away  the  desire  to  indulge  our  appetite  when  we 
are  hungry.  As  the  one  rightly  indulged  leads  to  the 
preservation  of  our  lives,  and  greatest  strength  of  body, 
so  the  other,  rightly  indulged,  tends  to  elevate  the  soul  to 
its  designed  purity  and  enlargement.  And  when  direct- 
ed towards  a  religious  object,  it  is  the  same  susceptibility 
of  our  nature  which  leads  us  to  secure  the  favour  of  our 
God.  The  Christian  student,  therefore,  is  first  to  look 
to  the  duties  that  pertain  to  the  welfare  of  his  soul ;  and 
indulge  this  native  desire  of  excelling,  as  it  may  tend  to 
render  him  more  elevated  and  pure,  as  an  intellectual 
and  moral  being,  just  as  he  should  rightly  indulge  his 
appetite  for  food,  to  give  the  greater  vigour  and  perfec- 
tion to  his  bodily  energies. 


SECTION  V. 


The  college-exercises  of  Mr.  Taylor,  were  now  over. 
He  had  an  appointment  for  Commencement,  which  was 
to  take  place  six  weeks  from  the  time  he  left  Princeton. 
From  college  he  went  to  New- York.  From  New- York 
he  crossed  over  to  Jamaica,  Long-Island.  Thence  he 
went  to  Connecticut,  to  spend  at  the  hill,  his  father's 
residence,  the  time  until  his  Commencement, in  preparing 
his  oration  for  that  day.  Here,  and  at  this  time,  we  find 
him  attacked  with  pain.  It  is  the  commencement  of  a 
series  of  sufferings,  which  were  terminated  only  with  his 
earthly  existence.  The  time  of  his  Commencement 
approaching,  he  left  his  father's  to  take  his  degree.  He 
reached  New- York,  where  he  was  again  attacked  with 
pain.  He  left  New- York,  however,  and  reached  Prince- 
ton, where  his  suffering  was  still  more  intense.  It  pre- 
vented his  appearance  upon  the  stage  on  the  day  of 
Commencement.  He  took  his  Baccalaureate,  and  re- 
turned to  New- York.  The  first  note  in  his  Diary,  after 
reaching  his  brother's  in  Bond-street,  runs  thus : 

"  While  in  Connecticut,  was  attacked  with  a  seatica, 
or  rheumatic  affection.  Returning  to  New-York,  it  in- 
creased. Going  to  Princeton,  it  was  more  severe. 
Having  returned  again  to  New- York,  put  myself  under 
the  care  of  my  physician,  who  has  attended  me  con- 


56  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

stantly  for  three  weeks,  most  of  which  time  I  have  been 
confined  to  my  room.  I  was  bled,  and  blistered  on  each 
side,  and  medicines  of  different  kinds  were  administered, 
but  apparently  with  little  success.  Often,  when  writhing 
in  anguish  of  body,  God  has  been  my  only  helper.  On 
him  have  I  been  able  to  roll  all  my  burden,  and  he  hath 
sustained  me.  Consolation  hath  abounded.  In  this 
time  of  need  the  Lord  hath  helped  me.  Alas  !  I  have 
cried,  how  can  they  sustain  themselves,  who  have  no 
staff  to  lean  upon  in  such  distress  ?  Herein  is  the  differ- 
ence. The  child  of  God  submits.  The  impenitent  sin- 
ner kicks  and  rebels.  The  one  acquiesces  and  says  it 
is  all  right.  The  other  murmurs  and  repines,  and  thinks 
hard  of  God.  The  one  looks  at  judgements  and  over- 
looks the  mercies  yet  remaining.  The  other,  while  be 
talks  of  judgements  sings  of  mercies.  As  an  allevia- 
tion in  my  distressing  hours  I  have  often  exclaimed,  this 
is  not  Gethsemane  —  the  nails — the  spear  —  the  cross. 
Nor  have  I  had  to  cry  out  "  Eloi,  Eloi,  lama  sabactha- 
ni,"  for  my  Father  lifts  on  me  the  light  of  his  counte- 
nance. 

**  In  extreme  spasms  of  pain,  after  turning  from  side 
to  side,  and  changing  my  position  in  every  possible  way 
for  relief,  I  have,  as  my  last  my  only  resort,  thrown  me 
into  the  arms  of  the  Lord.  He  hath  looked  on  my 
affliction,  and  given  me  a  broken  heart ;  a  broken  and 
contrite  spirit.  He  hath  madte  me  child-like,  and  given 
me  a  child's  portion.     Hence,  have  I  said,  '  The  cup 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  67 

which  my  Father  hath  given  me  shall  I  not  drink  it  V  If 
I  mistake  not,  1  have  rejoiced  in  this  tribulation. 

"  These  light  afflictions  which  are  but  for  a  moment, 
work  out  a  far  more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of 
glory.  Yes,  I  believe  it  will  make  a  change  for  the  bet- 
ter on  my  behalf,  in  heaven  even,  where  there  shall  be 
no  more  pain.  That  I  have  been  patient  and  resigned 
in  this  affliction  is  to  be  attributed  not  to  me  —  not  to 
me  —  but  to  the  grace  that  helps  in  the  time  of  need." 

Who  is  not  affected  with  melancholy,  as  he  peruses  this 
entry  in  Mr.  Taylor's  Diary,  and  carries  on  his  thoughts 
to  the  rapid  termination  of  the  life  of  this  devoted  young 
man?  He  has  just  left  the  college-walls.  He  only  has 
time  to  reach  his  father's  house,  and  the  iron-hand  of  dis- 
ease already  has  him  in  its  grasp.  If  there  is  any  one 
point  of  interest  beyond  another,  when  a  parent  looks  with 
pride  and  affection  upon  the  opening  powers  of  a  prom- 
ising son,  it  is  at  such  a  moment,  when  he  returns  with 
honour  from  his  college,  where  he  has  laid  the  founda- 
tion for  his  future  fame  and  success.  The  parent  greets 
him  advanced  to  manhood  in  his  person,  and  prepared 
successfully  to  enter  upon  the  studies  of  his  profession, 
in  which  he  will  soon  appear.  It  is,  too,  an  era  in  the 
life  of  the  young  man.  He  has  been  mingling,  in  his 
previous  course,  with  minds,  with  whom  he  is  destined 
to  act  upon  the  wider  stage  of  effort,  in  furthering  the 
interests  of  his  country  and  the  world,  while  he  shall 
jBeek  an  honourable  name  for  himself.    He  has  measured 


66  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OP 

the  minds  of  his  associates.  He  has  learned  that  his 
own  powers  can  compete  with  the  first,  and  has  seen 
that  the  rewards  of  genius  are  generally  the  results  of 
industrious  application.  The  secret  of  the  greatest 
powers,  and  the  success  of  the  most  gifted  have  been 
laid  open  before  his  perceptions,  and  he  ceases  to  won- 
der at  their  triumph  and  greatness.  He  leaves  the  col- 
lege-halls, where,  as  in  a  world  reduced  to  its  smallest 
dimensions,  he  has  learned  to  read  the  characters  of 
men  —  their  motives  for  action  —  and  revolved  in  his 
thoughts  the  high  objects  before  him,  that  allure  to 
effort.  The  ambition  of  James  Taylor  ivas  to  excel  in 
goodness.  And  yet,  no  one  ever  appreciated  more 
highly  the  value  of  attainments  in  literature  and  science. 
We  hear  him  sighing  in  the  aspirations  of  a  swelling 
bosom,  for  '*  full  qualifications  "  for  his  intended  office. 
And  no  man  ever  looked  forward  to  his  profession  with 
more  enthusiastic  ardour,  while  at  the  same  time  he  de- 
aired  that  all  his  anticipated  success  should  be  turned  to 
the  account  of  the  salvation  of  souls  and  the  glory  of  his 
God.  Having  fixed  upon  his  profession  before  he  had 
entered  college,  his  mind  was  unsubjected  to  the  vacil- 
lation that  often  proves  a  source  of  much  anxiety  to 
other  students,  at  the  period  of  their  graduation,  and  at 
the  same  time  enabled  him  during  his  collegiate-studies 
and  reading,  to  have  his  eye  ever  directed  to  the  useful 
in  its  bearing  upon  his  future  success  in  the  caUing  of 
the  ministry.     As  a  result  of  this  fixedness  and  ardency 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  69 

of  purpose,  through  all  his  preparatory  studies,  we  see 
him  availing  himself  of  his  leisure  hours,  and  devoting 
them  to  such  reading  as  would  most  certainly  secure  his 
future  success  in  his  contemplated  profession.  Hence, 
it  was  one  of  his  habits  in  college,  to  give  a  portion  of  his 
leisure  hours  to  the  study  of  the  original  Greek  of  his 
Testament.  Much  of  his  reading,  at  one  time,  con- 
templated a  correct  knowledge  of  the  interpretation  of 
the  Scriptures,  which  tended  at  the  same  time,  to  a  mind 
of  his  devotional  cast,  to  yield  him  happiness  in  his  hours 
of  religious  meditation.  With  such  a  knowledge  of  the 
ground  before  him  —  the  point  to  be  obtained  —  and  the 
means  of  the  success  for  which  he  aimed,  James  Taylor 
looked  forward  with  intense  happiness  to  his  course  of 
theology.  It  was  with  such  attainments  and  with  such 
prospects  before  him,  that  he  reached  his  home,  where 
he  was  ever  welcomed  by  hearts  that  overflowed  with 
affection  and  kindness.  His  parents  saw  him  at  once 
all  that  they  could  have  expected  from  diligence  and 
surpassing  manliness.  His  efforts  already  put  forth  in 
the  cause  to  which  he  had  consecrated  his  future  life, 
were  a  gratifying  earnest  of  his  future  success.  His 
path  was  clear.  Nothing  conspired  to  obstruct  his 
way,  or  to  waken  one  thought  of  solicitude  or  care. 
His  plans  were  already  laid  as  to  his  theological  course. 
A  short  vacation  was  to  intervene  before  he  entered  upon 
it.  In  this  recess  of  study,  the  notes  in  his  Diary,  as 
given  above,  were  made.     They  tell  us  how  he  was  at- 


60  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

tacked  with  pains  —  his  resignation  in  view  of  them  — 
and  his  thoughts  as  they  extended  on  to  the  possible  re- 
sults in  defeating  his  long  and  dearly  cherished  pros- 
pects. But,  he  did  not  then  read  it  all  —  all  that  was 
before  him.  Still  deeper  had  been  the  breakings  of  the 
heart  had  he  seen  how  certainly  should  one  hope  after 
another  fall,  until  he  reposed  himself  calmly  in  the  grave, 
which,  in  his  own  after  and  beautiful  language,  wore 
"  choice  attire  "  for  him. 

Succeeding  quotations  from  his  Diary  will  exhibit  the 
history  of  his  future  course  :  the  advance  of  his  disease, 
the  awakening  solicitude  of  friends,  and  the  forebodings 
of  his  own  mind.  It  may  be  proper  here  to  state  what 
we  now  know,  but  what,  at  the  time,  was  unknown  to 
his  physicians  and  himself,  that  his  "  rheumatic  affec- 
tion," as  he  often  calls  it,  was  a  spinal  complaint.  Had 
it  been  discovered  in  time,  or  at  this  early  stage  of  his 
disease,  it  might,  or  it  might  not  have  terminated  in  the 
future  affection  of  the  lungs,  which  produced  his  death. 
The  writer  well  remembers  his  style  of  walking,  ever 
after  this  period.  He  moved  much  slower  than  was  his 
usual  habit,  and  stepped  with  more  care  when  raising 
his  foot  upon  the  elevated  curb-stone  of  the  street,  when 
crossing  from  one  side  to  the  other.  This  was  for  the 
purpose  of  keeping  his  person  erect,  as  a  different  posi- 
tion, as  we  would  infer  from  the  nature  of  his  complaint, 
or  a  sudden  jar,  caused  him  pain. 

Mr.  Taylor  was  now  in  New- York,  at  his  brother's, 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  61 

in  Bond-street,  having  returned  from  taking  his  degree 
of  A.  B.  at  the  Commencement  in  Nassau-Hall.  It  was 
here  he  penned  the  preceding  quotations,  while  yet  un- 
der the  care  of  his  physicians.  An  interval  has  passed 
when  he  writes  as  follows  :  — 

*'  A  week  ago  last  Sabbath,  was  a  day  of  peculiar 
manifestations  to  my  soul.  My  pain  seemed  to  be  quelled 
for  me  to  enjoy  the  coming  down  of  heaven  into  my  soul. 
"  In  the  evening,  they  were  suddenly  called.  It  was 
thought  I  was  soon  to  go  into  the  eternal  world.  A 
faintness  came  upon  me.  I  was  covered  with  the  cold 
chilling- sweats  of  a  dying  hour.  A  paleness  was  on  my 
cheek  that  could  be  felt ;  but  glory  was  in  my  soul.  I 
felt,  and  I  said  *All  is  peace  —  all  is  peace.*  I  soon 
revived.  I  have  gone  through  much  pain  since.  The 
•  cause  seems  not  yet  removed. 

"  Have  been  much  cheered  in  hearing  Hopkins'  dis- 
course on  the  Millennium  read.  The  prospect  of  the 
kingdom  of  Christ  is  so  glorious  —  Praise  the  Lord,  O 
my  soul. 

"'Forget  not  all  his  benefits,'  I  have  been  most 
comfortably  sick.  Located  in  brother  K.'s  house,  where 
every  thing  is  at  hand  for  my  good.  Sister  E.  has 
proved  the  tenderest  and  my  most  attentive  nurse,  anti- 
cipating me  in  almost  every  want.  I  owe  her  a  weight 
of  love  that  I  can  never  repay.  My  brother  comforts 
me  by  his  reading,  conversation,  and  prayers.  May  they 
each  be  rewarded  at  the  resurrection  of  the  just. 
6 


62  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY   Of 

"  I  am  also  blest  with  a  *  beloved  physician.*  Dr.  — 
has  the  marks  of  discipleship  to  the  chief  physician, 
connected  with  his  skill.  My  uplifted  cry  has  been, 
Lord  bless  him.  Christian  friends  also  visit  me.  Mr. 
Nettleton  called  the  other  day  to  refresh  me  with  his 
countenance.  Brother  L.  also.  Mrs.  W.  has  called 
from  time  to  time,  to  read  an  hour  for  me,  and  talk  of 
the  things  of  the  kingdom. 

*'  21st.  My  sister  Almira  is  with  me,  and  by  her  kind 
attention  in  many  things  favours  my  weakness  :  was  so 
weak  this  morning  that  it  was  an  effort  to  look  at  any  one. 

"  22d.  Sabbath.  Silent  Sabbaths  :  Sabbaths  at  home 
are  not  joyless  ones.  The  Lord  hath  come  hither  to- 
day, and  agreeably  to  his  promise  brought  his  Father 
with  him.  They  have  taken  up  their  abode  with  me, 
and  I  am  greatly  comforted  with  heavenly  visitations. 

*'  Sister  A.  sung  for  me  this  morning, 

'  Sweet  is  thy  work,  my  God,  my  King,'  etc. 

My  heart  broke,  and  I  was  sweetly  melted  before  the 
Lord.  My  brother  J.  and  sisters  R.  and  A.  spent  a 
part  of  the  afternoon  in  conversation,  singing,  and  pray- 
ing. It  was  a  season  of  refreshing,  a  season  of  melting, 
a  season  to  be  remembered.  Sweet,  sweet  union,  and 
sweet,  sweet  communion. 

**  22d.  Was  amazingly  weak  this  morning.  No  appe- 
tite.   The  doctor  has  changed  his  course  with  me.    For 

4. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  63 

three  weeks  I  have  been  reduced.  Now  he  would 
stimulate  and  raise  me. 

**  Heard  of  Dr.  Blatchford's  illness :  was  in  hopes  of 
seeing  him  here. 

"25.  'Man  deviseth  his  own  way,  but  the  Lord 
directeth  his  steps.'  My  calculations  were  all  made, 
and  my  expectations  were,  to  be  located  at  New-Haven 
by  this  day  to  commence  with  the  class  my  theological 
studies.  But  here  I  am,  only  able  to  have  a  book  in 
my  hands  a/ew>  moments  at  a  time. 

"  Brother  L.  called  and  prayed  with  me.  He  thanked 
the  Lord  for  this  trial  of  my  faith :  was  melted  under 
his  concluding  petitions,  which  were  for  my  recovery, 
and  that  I  might  be  made  a  blessing  in  yet  preaching 
the  Gospel. 

"  27th.  Rode  out  to-day.  Am  thought  on  the  gain- 
ing hand. 

**  28th.  Worse  to-day  — probably  owing  to  the  change 
of  weather.  Thanks  to  Him  who  has  sustained  me 
through  these  weeks  of  pain.  May  the  coming  Sabbath 
be  a  day  of  rest  to  my  soul.  I  find  it  a  trial  to  be  de- 
tained from  my  studies  —  but  the  «Lord  reigneth.' 


SECTION  VI. 

Mr.  Taylor  having  in  some  little  degree  regained  his 
strength,  was  now  so  anxious  to  enter  on  his  course  of 
theological  studies,  that  he  overcame  the  sohcitudes  of 
his  friends,  so  far  as  to  secure  their  consent  to  his 
being  located  in  New-Haven,  while  it  was  still  their  de- 
sire to  detain  him  in  New-York,  until  he  should  be  quite 
restored  to  health.  But  so  soon  as  he  was  sufficiently 
recovered  to  endure  the  journey,  he  left  the  city  for 
New-Haven,  with  assurances  to  his  friends  that  his 
application  should  be  no  greater  than  would  be  necessary 
for  his  mental  recreation.  Having  reached  New-Haven, 
his  first  note  is  under  date  of 

"December  13,  1836. 

"  I  arrived  in  New-Haven  on  Wednesday  last.  Have 
become  located  in  the  Theological  Seminary,  and  en- 
tered the  family  in  which  I  board  on  Saturday  morning. 

"  On  my  induction  into  this  building,  (No.  139  Col- 
lege-chapel,) my  soul  was  blessed  with  a  wanted  visita- 
tion from  God.  Surely  he  remembers  me  for  good, 
and  praise  belongs  to  his  name.  My  late  illness  passed 
in  review,  and  my  heart  broke  with  grateful  feelings  that 
my  agony  of  body  had  been  removed,  and  that  my  health 
was  so  far  restored. 

**  The  relation  I  sustain  with  God  —  as  an  individual, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  66 

with  this  Seminary  —  with  the  family  in  which  I  am  — 
the  town  —  and  all  with  whom  I  may  come  in  contact, 
excited  strong  cries  for  help  from  God.  O  may  I  be 
blessed  and  prove  a  great  blessing  to  others." 

Here  we  see  the  devoted  James  Taylor,  in  another 
shade  of  that  Hght  which  never  changed,  but  to  add 
another  beautiful  colouring  to  the  religious  and  social 
character  of  this  beloved  young  man.  He  first  conse- 
crates his  newly  selected  chamber  of  study  to  the 
Being  that  everywhere  blesses  his  soul.  He  sits  and 
reviews  the  hours  of  his  past  illness,  and  vents  before 
his  God  the  tears  of  gratitude  for  bringing  him  thus  far 
on  his  way  {as  he  hoped)  of  recovering  health.  He 
then  contemplates  the  new  relations  into  which  he  has 
been  thrown,  and  offers  up  his  prayer  that  he  may  meet 
them  with  efficiency  of  blessings  upon  the  souls  of 
others,  and  to  the  continual  refreshing  of  his  own. 
While  he  thus  commenced,  continued,  and  ended  all 
things  with  his  God,  conscientiously,  thankfully,  devoutly 
and  diligently,  how  could  it  be  otherwise  than  in  the 
very  nature  of  things,  that  he  should  prove  a  blessing  to 
those  among  whom  he  moved,  and  be  blessed  in  the  rich 
communion  of  his  own  heart  with  his  God? 

One  of  his  brothers  being  a  member  of  Yale-College 
at  this  time,  presented  a  consideration  to  induce  him  to 
select  the  theological  department  of  the  same  institution, 
for  pursuing  his  studies  of  divinity.  He  had  also  ac- 
quired a  partiality  for  the  place,  unsurpassed,  as  it  is, 
6* 


66  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

by  the  charms  of  its  rural  scenery,  being  literally  rura 
in  urbe,  and  as  he  believed  excelling  as  much  as  report 
said  to  be  true,  in  the  piety,  literature,  and  amiableness 
of  its  society.  He  reached  this  delightful  spot  as  seen 
from  the  last  extract  from  his  journal,  on  the  Wednesday 
preceding  the  new  year  of  1827.  And  he  was  not  an 
accession  to  the  social  and  religious  circle  of  New-Haven 
that  was  unobserved,  or  unfelt.  He  was  at  once  re- 
marked as  more  than  usually  interesting  in  his  personal 
appearance,  his  acquaintance  desired,  and  wherever  this 
acquaintance  was  formed,  he  secured  the  more  than 
kind  regards  of  all.  How  his  influence  was  felt,  and 
what  was  the  interest  he  excited,  will  be  gathered  in  part 
from  the  extracts  and  communications  which  will  follow. 
He  soon  left  his  room.  No.  139  in  the  College-chapel, 
for  private  chambers  in  the  family  in  which  he  boarded. 

Under  the  same  date  as  the  last  extract,  we  find  the 
following  note  :     "  Wrote  Aunt  Willey,  who  lies  ill." 

To  this  aunt,  here  alluded  to,  he  was  much  attached. 
She  was  the  wife  of  the  Hon.  Calvin  Willey,  then  in  the 
Senate  of  the  United  States.  A  number  of  the  letters, 
from  which  extracts  have  been  made  in  his  memoir, 
were  written  to  this  esteemed  relative.  As  she  died 
soon  afterwards,  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  here  to  intro- 
duce the  following  lines,  written  after  the  reception  of 
the  intelligence  of  her  death. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  67 

'  We  knew  her  where  the  circle  weep, 

Among  the  sisters  there, 
Devotion  dwell'd  upon  her  hps. 

And  hallowed  was  her  prayer ; 
She  loved  the  joys  'mong  saints  are  given, 
And  sighed  for  coming  bliss  in  heaven. 

We  knew  her  where  lone  orphans  sighed 

And  shed  their  silent  tear, 
Their  griefs  arising,  she  allayed 

AVith  more  than  mother's  care  ; 
She  loved  to  sooth  the  mourner's  sorrow, 
And  bid  them  hope  a  brighter  morrow. 

Around  her  played  the  sweets  of  home 

Where  mothers'  joys  are  given. 
The  day  with  smiles  passed  cheerly  on. 

And  welcome  was  the  even ; 
And  prayerful  o'er  her  babes  she  hung 
With  heart  on  mother's  feelings  strung. 

We  heard  of  her  when  ebbed  the  flow 

Of  life's  faint,  feeble  tide. 
She  went  with  hopes  that  Christians  know. 

Where  '  crystal  waters '  glide ; 
Ay,  calm  as  dove  at  hour  of  even. 
She  took  her  flight  to  rest  in  heaven. 

Then  fare  thee  well,  thou  lovely  spirit. 

Now  coursing  on  thy  way  of  light. 
Strike  sweeter  yet  thine  angel-lyric. 

Where  joyous  smiles  shall  meet  no  blight : 
Our  moons  below  now  fast  are  waning, 
We'll  hope  to  meet  thee  at  His  coming." 


66  TRIBUTE    TO   THE   MEMORY   OF 

We  introduce  here  the  following  note  to  his  sister  M., 
as  presenting  a  playful  contrast  with  most  of  his  graver 
epistles  which  are  quoted  in  the  memoir,  and  exhibiting 
a  spirit  susceptible  of  pleasure  from  the  cheerful  humour 
of  a  sprightly  correspondence  : 

"  New-Haven,  February,  1837. 

"My  dear  M., 

"  Since  I  saw  you  in  Wew-York,  I  have  become 
located  in  New-Haven,  and  am  pleasantly  situated, 
living  as  I  love  to  live,  bachelor-like  —  that  is,  not  to 
have  you  mistake,  I  have  no  chum.  And  while  I  can 
avoid  it,  I  am  sure  I  never  would  consent  to  have  o 
chum,  until  there  may  be  a  Mrs.  James  B.  T.  And 
that  such  a  thing  will  ever  happen  you  will  please  to  be 
notified  is  quite  in  dubio.  Edward  will  translate  any 
Latin  expressions  I  may  chance  to  use,  provided  you 
choose  to  keep  clear  of  the  blue-stocking  reputation.  In 
dubio,  I  say,  not  however  because  I  would  be  an  ancho- 
rite, but  because  I  may  be  a  cosmopolite.  Were  all 
things  settled  so  as  to  make  marriage  a  duty,  I  think  I 
might  not  be  slow  in  becoming  its  practical  advocate. 

"After  remaining  in  New-Haven  a  few  weeks,  brother 
F.  and  myself  visited  Middle-Haddam.  With  sister 
Emma  I  took  quite  a  sleigh-ride,  and  was  gone  part  of 
three  days.  We  spent  one  night  in  W.  and  another  in 
T.  In  both  places  we  were  cordially  welcomed  and 
entertained.     We  dined  in  Hartford  with  my  old  ac- 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  69 

quaintance,  now  Mrs.  ,  once  Miss  S.  D.     We 

were  always  glad  to  see  each  other.  Our  ride  was  dur- 
ing the  cold  Wednesday  and  Thursday.  I  feel  the 
effects  in  the  ends  of  my  fingers  until  this  day. 

"  J.and  R.  passed  through  New-Haven  in  their  sleigh, 
on  their  way  to  The  Hill,  and  there  spent  one  night.  They 
did  not  dare  venture  longer,  lest  Jack  Frost  should  have 
his  whiskers  warmed  before  they  should  get  back  to  the 
city. 

"  Not  having  heard  from  you  of  late,  do  write  soon. 
I  was  told  that  on  the  first  Sabbath  in  January,  there 
were  about  seven  hundred  souls  joined  the  Congrega- 
tional Churches,  within  twenty-eight  miles  of  Hartford, 
as  the  fruits  of  the  prevailing  revivals. 

"  A  kiss  for  the  little  one.     Love  to  E. 

"  Ever  affectionately, 

"  James." 

February  22d.  1837,  Mr.  Taylor  further  writes  in  his 
Diary :  —  "  This  day,  appointed  and  observed  by  not  a 
few  to  pray  for  colleges,  will  witness  the  united  orisons 
of  those  who  love  Zion  and  her  prosperity.  All  things 
are  possible  with  God.  This  year  may  witness  won- 
derfully glorious  things  in  our  institutions  of  learning. 
Even  so.  Lord  Jesus,  amen. 

"  Last  evening  had  an  affecting  view  of  my  prospects. 
Methought,  what  shall  I  wish  I  had  done  on  earth 
when  I  shall  have  entered  heaven.     I  longed  for  prepar« 


70  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

ation  to  move  in  the  sphere  to  which  I  shall  be  destined. 
Living  or  dying,  may  I  be  the  Lord's. 

*'  Sunday,  March.  Returned  last  evening  with  my 
brother  F.,  from  my  father's  house,  after  remaining 
there  a  part  of  four  days.  On  our  arrival  we  found  our 
dear  mother  convalescent  from  an  illness,  which  at  one 
time  wore  an  alarming  aspect.  She  has  been  happy 
under  the  affliction,  and  rejoices  in  the  will  of  God, 
come  sickness  or  health,  life  or  death.  Had  melting 
seasons  while  singing,  conversing,  and  praying  at  her 
bed-side.  We  carried  home  with  us  the  intelligence  of 
Aunt  Willey's  death. 

"  March.  Having  received  an  urgent  request  in  a 
joint  letter  from  Rev.  Mr.  V.  of  Bridgeport,  and  the 
Rev.  Mr.  S.,  who  is  labouring  there,  I  went  out  and 
spent  a  few  days.  I  found  things  more  interesting  than 
I  anticipated,  and  left  them  still  more  so.  Mr.  Y.  re- 
turned to  New-Haven  with  me,  in  hopes  that  I  would 
accompany  him  back.  But  circumstances  gave  the  ne- 
gative. 

"To  day  the  Rev.  Mr.  K.  entered  my  room  and  en- 
deavoured to  press  me  into  labours.  He  came  from 
N.  Killingworth,  where  the  work  of  the  Lord  is  signal. 
The  field,  as  he  represented  it,  looked  most  inviting; 
but  I  said  nay^  in  view  of  my  Hebrew. 

*'  Mr.  V.  is  broken  down — brother  S.  feeble — Mr.  K. 
well  nigh  down,  and  no  help.  In  view  of  this,  what 
must  be  done?     Ministers  around  have  their  hands  fully 


.0 


JAMES    BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  71 

employed.  What  must  I  do  ?  Must  I  relinquish  He- 
brew roots  for  the  present  and  enter  the  field?  What 
am  I,  that  I  should  be  sought  unto  ? 

"  Had,  while  at  Bridgeport,  on  Saturday  night,  a  most 
melting  and  exulting  season  before  the  Lord.  It  was 
after  I  had  retired.  I  was  humbled  in  view  of  past 
coldness  and  sins,  and  waited  upon  the  Lord.  He 
heard  me,  and  raised  me  up,  and  blessed  me  with  holy 
fire." 

We  see  from  the  foregoing  extracts,  the  solicitous 
desire  on  the  part  of  neighbouring  ministers,  to  secure 
the  labours  of  Mr.  Taylor.  The  temptation  to  him  was 
a  great  one.  His  ardent  spirit  longed  to  indulge  in  re- 
vival-scenes, among  which  he  had  before  laboured  in 
his  successful  endeavours  to  advance  the  cause  of 
Christ.  His  studies,  however,  were  before  hhn,  and  his 
health  far  from  being  perfectly  reinstated.  The  writer, 
in  looking  back  to  this  period,  cannot  but  feel  melan- 
choly in  the  pursuasion,  that  Mr.  Taylor,  was  too  pres- 
singly  urged  to  render  his  assistance  in  the  neighbouring 
fields  of  Christian  effort  at  this  critical  period  of  his 
health.  He  knows  that  he  was  weak,  and  was  subject 
to  occasional  pains  which  he  called  his  *'  rheumatic 
affection"  in  the  back.  But  he  acted  as  he  ever 
thought  to  be  his  duty,  whatever  might  be  his  inclina- 
tion. In  this  instance,  however,  his  inclination  was  en- 
tirely in  unison  with  the  persuasions  of  his  friends. 
And  for  a  time  he  yielded  to  them.     We  see  him  at 


72  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

Bridgeport.  He  is  putting  forth  an  amount  of  labour 
which  his  excited  state  of  feeUngs  alone  could  have  en- 
abled him  to  sustain  in  his  then  debilitated  state  of  body. 
It  was  not  an  unfrequent  remark  of  his,  that  he  chose 
rather  to  "  wear  out  than  to  rust  out."  But  this  senti- 
ment would  never  have  suffered  him  to  injure  his  health, 
where  he  was  sure  that  a  certain  course  would  prove  to 
its  detriment.  But  he  ventured  forth  ;  and  at  a  season 
of  the  year  too,  highly  unfavourable  for  an  invalid.  He 
puts  forth  his  labours,  "abundant  and  oft."  Speaking 
with  ease  and  always  exleinporaneoiishj,  his  labours  of 
body  at  this  stage  of  his  debility,  in  walking  and  riding, 
were  more  destructive  in  their  consequences  to  his 
health  than  his  mental  efforts.  The  writer  remembers 
his  state  of  health  at  this  period,  and  feels  it  a  melan- 
choly recollection  as  he  recurs  to  the  solicitude  he  felt 
at  that  time  for  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  lest  his  efforts 
should  be  greatly  disproportioned  to  his  strength.  He 
now  feels  that  it  certainly  was  such.  As  we  shall  fol- 
low him  on  in  his  labours,  we  shall  admire  the  man,  and 
love  the  Christian,  and  rejoice  at  his  success,  but  weep 
over  the  martyred  saint,  while  the  wish  fruitlessly  arises, 
that  one,  whose  life  in  such  a  world  as  ours  is  so  de- 
sirable, had  stayed  his  effort  at  this  period  of  his  debility ; 
and  then,  perhaps,  he  should  have  been  rescued  from 
so  early  a  grave. 

We  proceed  to  witness  the  action  he  put  forth,  and 
will  now  follow  him  on  through  a  series  of  efforts  of 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR. 


7a 


body  and  mind,  through  which  but  few  could  have  suc- 
cessfully gone,  even  in  their  primest  state  of  an  unin- 
jured constitution. 

He  now  is  at  Trumbull,  Connecticut,  five  miles  north 
of  Bridgeport. 

"  April  1 5,  Sabbath.  This  is  my  birth-day.  Thought 
I,  as  I  paced  the  back-yard  at  brother  Kant's,  where  I 
now  am  God  might  accomplish  wonders  through  my 
instrumentality,  were  I  to  live  twenty-six  years  more 
on  earth.  I  was  affected.  I  stopped,  and  made,  as  I 
believe,  an  acceptable  surrender  of  my  all  to  God.  I 
called  upon  the  heavens  above  me,  the  earth  beneath 
me,  and  the  objects  around,  to  witness  my  purpose  io  be 
the  hordes. 

"  I  am  now  at  Trumbull,  five  miles  north  of  Bridge- 
port, at  the  request  of  Rev.  Mr.  Kant.  Last  Sabbath  I 
preached  to  his  people  from  *  Hoio  shall  ye  escape  if  ye 
neglect  so  great  salvation  V  " 

A  week  afterwards  he  writes  : 

"  This  evening,  before  service,  two  young  men  came 
to  me,  Charles  S.  and  Hezekiah  N.,  who  were  awak- 
ened last  Sabbath.  They  appeared  deeply  anxious. 
When  they  came,  I  presumed  they  had  come  in  where  I 
was  through  mistake.  But  I  spoke  to  them,  and  found 
they  had  an  errand  as  anxious  sinners,  to  see  me. 
Directed  them  to  Christ. 

"  Last  Wednesday,  P.  M.,  came  up  from  Bridgeport. 
Visited  some,  and  was  encouraged.  Meeting  in  the 
7 


74  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

evening,  solemn.  Several  had  promised  in  my  conver- 
sations with  them,  to  take  up  the  subject  of  rehgion. 
Preached  from  '  Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God.' 
Solemn.  Two  old  ladies  at  the  close  —  one  especially, 
was  greatly  glad  that  I  had  thought  of  them  and  come  to 
them.  She  seemed  to  be  a  pilgrim.  Thursday,  return- 
ed to  Bridgeport,  where,  in  connexion  with  brothers  V. 
and  S.  have  been  labouring  for  nearly  three  weeks  past. 
Friday,  (fast-day,)  preached  in  the  A.  M.  at  Fairfield, 
from  '  I  do  remember  my  faults  this  day.' 

"Arrived  here  (Trumbull,)  this  A.  M.  Stormy.— 
Brother  Kant  preached  in  the  morning.  I  preached 
this  P.  M.  from  'They  hated  me  without  a  cause.' 
John  15,  25.  Was  assisted  much  in  the  application. 
Arrows,  I  think,  flew  around  upon  the  few  assembled. 
God  be  praised. 

"  This  evening  preached  at  Mrs.  P.'s  from  1  Cor.  1, 
30:  'Of  him  are  ye  in  Christ  Jesus.'  In  view  of  the 
meeting,  I  was  drawn  out  to  God  for  a  blessing.  I  felt 
as  if  this  were  an  experiment.  I  had  come  here  to 
labour,  and  under  a  few  circumstances  not  before  sur- 
rounding me.  I  am  admitted  to  the  pulpit,  and  officiate 
with  the  approbation  of  the  clergy,  as  one  of  them. 
Thus  it  seems  brothers  L.,  V.,  S.,  and  Kant,  license 
me  to  preach.  I  felt  encouraged.  When  I  had  given 
myself  renewedly  away  to  be  the  Lord's  idiolly^  I 
longed  to  be  useful,  and  felt  willing  to  live  and  labour 
foiiSQwls. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  75 

"  When  those  young  men  came  into  the  meeting  to 
night,  I  felt  more  encouraged.  Before  naming  my  text, 
my  tears  ran  down  my  cheeks.  I  was  longing  for  the 
salvation  of  those  before  me.  I  felt  that  I  cared  not  for 
myself  but  for  Christ's  sake.  Much  to  encourage  ap- 
peared. Solemn  —  melting  —  not  a  few  tarried  after 
the  meeting  was  closed.  Brother  Kant  attended  another 
meeting.     What  will  be  the  issue  God  knoweth. 

*'  One  young  lady  seemed  to  stagger  with  weakness, 
from  her  excitement.  One  young  man  is  said  to  eat 
but  little  —  in  such  distress. 

*'  With  these  things  before  me  I  must  stay  for  a  little 
time,  at  least,  and  visit  some. 

"  Brother  C.  H.  called  on  me  on  Friday.  Together 
we  have  lived,*  and  prayed.  On  Friday,  for  the  first 
time,  we  were  in  a  pulpit  together.  He  is  sick  and  in 
search  of  health. 

"  Fatigued,  I  retire.  May  I  see  the  salvation  of  the 
Lord  here  soon.  One  thing  is  gained  —  the  awaken- 
ing of  sinners.     Their  conversion  is  more  desirable. 

"  16th.  Visited  yesterday  with  brother  Kant.  To- 
wards evening  went  to  Bridgeport,  and  returned  with 
trunk  and  papers.  Received  a  letter  from  my  brother  F., 
who  had  visited  home.     Our  dear  mother  is  feeble  yet. 

*  The  Rev.  C.  H.  here  alluded  to,  and  Mr.  T.  were  clerks  in 
^e  same  store,  previous  to  their  leaving  the  city  to  prepare  for 
the  ministry. 


76  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

"  17th.  Visited  to-day  with  brother  Kant  through 
White-Plains.  Returned  towards  evening,  fatigued. 
At  7  o'clock  met  eight  or  ten  persons  at  Mrs.  S.'s. 
There,  was  told  that  C.  S.  was  rejoicing  with  tx- 
ceeding  great  joy.  By  description,  it  seems  that  his 
soul  has  been  in  extacy.  Saw  him  yesterday,  P.  M. 
He  then  thought  he  had  done  all  he  could.  If  so,  I 
said,  and  you  have  not  repented,  you  must  go  to  hell. 
He  feared  lest  he  should  go  back.  He  felt,  if  he  did,  he 
would  be  lost.  His  parents  feared  he  would  run  mad. 
Here,  then,  victory  has  turned  on  Zion's  side.  Thanks 
to  God  for  a  trophy.  If  this  be  the  commencement  of 
submissions,*  it  is  rather  uncommon  for  young  men  to 
be  taken  first.  He  was  awakened  Sabbath  before  last. 
'How   shall  I  escape*  —  'how   shall  I    escape,*  fol- 

*  Mr.  Taylor  uses  the  technical  word  ^'submission"  here,  in 
the  sense  in  which  it  has  usually  been  employed  where  a  re- 
vival of  religion  has  prevailed.  There  are  several  such  terms 
found  in  his  journal,  which  are  adopted  for  the  sake  of  brevity, 
and  in  accordance  with  the  custom  of  such  a  season.  It  is  pre- 
sumed that  he  means,  that  the  person  to  whom  the  word  is  ap- 
plied, was  supposed  to  have  made  an  unreserved  surrenderor 
himself  to  God,  by  a  controlling  purpose  of  his  heart  to  be  the 
future  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ.  It  is  in  this  sense,  the  word 
elsewhere  occurs,  when  referring  to  those  who  have  hopefully 
given  their  affections  to  God  in  obedient  discipleship  to  Jesus 
Christ,  under  the  influence  of  the  Spirit,  which  urged  them  to 
this  commanded  duty  in  view  of  the  deathless  interests  of  their 
souls. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  77 

4owed  him.     Thanks  to  God  for  these  first  fruits.     To 
him  be  glory. 

"  Spoke  to-night  at  Chesnut-Hill  school-house,  from 
St.  Luke  17  :  32.  *  Remember  Lot's  wife.^  Solemn. 
Anxious  sinners,  to  whom  it  was  addressed  particularly, 
were  apparently  affected.  Will  God  carry  on  this  work  ? 
Lead  me  in  the  way  of  duty.  Give  me  wisdom  and 
holiness  —  wisdom  to  win  souls,  and  holiness  to  please 
Thee. 

"18.  Wednesday.  Visited  alone  in  the  A.  M.  Found 
Charles  S.  in  a  calm  and  interesting  state  of  mind.  It 
seems  that  he  was  exceedingly  happy  on  the  submission 
of  his  heart  to  God. 

"  Miss  B.  A.  S.  in  deep  distress.  Mrs.  P.  feels  dif- 
ferently since  yesterday,  yet  she  does  not  say  that  she 
has  been  bom  again.     Others  solemn. 

"  P.  M,  Visited  with  brother  Kant  on  Daul's  Farms, 
and  in  the  street  above  us.  Came  home  much  fatigued, 
and  retired  before  the  sun  was  down.  Several  to-day 
have  promised  to  take  up  the  subject  of  religion.  May 
they,  and  others  who  have  promised  the  same,  fulfil  their 
obligations. 

"  19.  Thursday.  Visited  alone  this  A.  M.,  and  part 
of  the  P.  M.  Found  encouragement  to  go  on.  P. 
M.  Went  with  brother  Kant  to  Booth's-Hill.  Visited  in 
the  neighbourhood.  Found  professors  revived.  Heze- 
kiah  N.  rejoicing,  and  in  a  very  desirable  state  of  mind. 
He  thinks  he  submitted  last  Tuesday.  Was  awaken- 
7* 


78  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

ed  at  the  same  time  that  Charles  S.,  his  cousin,  was,  as 
mentioned  on  the  15th.  Miss  M.  N.  I  found  weeping. 
She  said  she  was  awakened  on  Sunday  evening  last,  at 
our  meeting. 

"Preached  in  the  evening  from  Luke  19  :  20. 
'  What  lack  I  yet  V  Solemn*  Was  assisted  —  for, 
from  the  excessive  fatigue  of  the  day,  I  felt  well  nigh 
unable  to  speak. 

"  20.  Stayed  over  the  night  at  Booth's-Hill  with 
deacon  N.  At  half  past  7  o'clock  this  morning  met 
all  the  young  people  in  that  neighbourhood  at  deacon 
N.'s.  They  seemed  solemn,  and  all  promised  to  try  to 
secure  their  salvation. 

"  In  company  with  Hezekiah  N.  went  through  Nich- 
ols'-Farm,  and  so  along  down  to  Bridgeport.  May 
promises  that  have  been  made  be  performed.  Met 
brother  S.  at  Bridgeport,  unwell.  Work  advancing.  Cal- 
led at  a  few  places.  Returned  this  P.  M.,  and  on  the  way 
made  several  visits.  Mrs.  P.  happy.  Thus  during 
this  week,  so  far,  I  have  gone  over  brother  Kant's  par- 
ish, and  visited  most  of  the  families  —  some  I  have  seen 
three  or  four  times. 

"  While  on  my  rounds  I  arrived  at  a  certain  spot  in 
the  fields,  and  there  was  constrained  to  cry  out,  unprO' 
fiiable  servant.  And  so  I  truly  felt  myself  to  be.  In 
view  of  the  coming  Sabbath,  and  other  things  in  rela- 
tion to  this  people,  I  stood  and  wept,  and  cried  unto  the 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  79 

Lord.  '  0  Lord !  help,  for  vain  is  the  help  of  man.' 
Returned  much  fatigued. 

"  Saturday  21.  Stormy.  Spent  most  of  the  day  at 
home,  preparing  for  the  Sabbath.  I  have  been  solicit- 
ous as  to  the  events  of  to-morrow. 

"B.  C.  seems  to  have  come  out  of  her  troubles. 
She  thinks  she  submitted  last  evening.  Thus,/oMr  give 
evidence  of  the  new  birth  this  week  —  an  occasion  for 
rejoicing.  May  many  yet  be  born  from  above  among 
this  people.  The  Lord  put  upon  me  the  whole  armour 
for  to-morrow. 

"  Heard  from  my  brother  Fitch.  The  revival  in 
Yale-College  seems  on  the  advance. 

"  Sunday  22d.  Brother  Kant  preached  this  morning. 
At  noon  the  church  assembled  for  prayer.  Met  with 
them  for  a  little  time  —  addressed  them,  and  prayed 
with  them.     I  wept  during  the  singing  of  the  hymn. 

'  Come  Holy  Spirit,  Heavenly  Dove, 
With  all  thy  quickening  power,'  etc. 

and  was  glad  for  the  tenderness  of  heart  I  felt.  Others 
felt.     The  meeting  was  solemnly  affecting. 

"  P,  M.  Preached  from  the  words,  '  How  long  halt 
ye  between  two  opinions?'  1  Kings,  18  :  21.  I  spoke 
with  unusual  ease,  plainness,  and  with  apparent  effect. 
Appointed  a  meeting  for  this  evening  for  those  who  have 
resolved  to  take  up  the  subject  of  religion,  and  for  those 


qP  V      TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

who  have  promised  to  try  to  take  it  up,  and  for  those 
who  felt  that  the  subject  of  religion  was  pressingly  im- 
portant, and  that  it  devolved  upon  them  to  consider  it  in 
earnest,  and  immediately.  Brother  Kant  counted  46  of 
all  ages,  from  13  to  gray  hairs  ;  and  among  the  number, 
the  first  men  of  influence  in  the  place.  In  what  this  will 
result  I  know  not.  The  meeting  was  solemn,  and  I  in- 
terchanged a  few  words  with  most  of  them. 

*'  Matilda  N.,  who  was  awakened  on  Sunday  eve- 
ning last  at  Mrs.  P.'s,  is  rejoicing.  She  seems  happy. 
Yesterday,  about  noon,  she  thinks  she  gave  herself 
away.  Thus,  five  are  hopefully  turned  to  the  Lord 
during  the  last  week.  They  each  seem  singularly 
bright  cases. 

"  The  church  met  in  the  same  room  to-night  where 
the  anxious  meeting  was  held.  The  church  seems 
alive — much  revived  —  remarkably  stirred,  for  so  little 
a  season. 

"  Quite  fatigued  from  the  labour  of  this  Sabbath,  and 
almost  amazed  at  the  turn  things  have  taken:  I  wait 
in  uncertainty  as  to  results. 

"  Monday,  23.  Prepared  a  skeleton  from  Ep.  5  14  : 
*  Awake  ihou  that  sleepest.^  A.  M.  Made  a  few  calls 
with  brother  Kant  on  Chestnut-Hill.  P.  M.  Made  a 
few  visits  in  the  street  above  us.     Dull  during  the  day. 

"  Evening.  Attended  a  meeting  in  Long-Hill  school- 
house  —  quite  an  audience,  considering  the  prospect  of 
rain.     I  was  not  much  interested  in  my  subject ;  and 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  81 

interruption  now  and  then  was  unpleasant.  Wonderful 
that  some  people  cannot  see  how  destructive  it  is  to  the 
influence  of  truth  to  have  the  minds  of  the  audience 
turned  for  half  a  second.  Will  not  people  have  to  ac- 
count, in  the  day  of  reckoning,  for  coming  to  meeting 
late  and  thus  disturbing  others,  —  and  for  getting  up 
and  going  out  during  service,  and  such  Hke  manoeuvres  ? 
Such  things  are  peculiarly  annoying  to  me ;  knowing 
that  when  an  audience  is  attentive,  it  is  best  that  no 
counteracting  circumstances  should  occur. 

"  Though  I  did  not  feel  so  well  as  usual,  from  brother 
Kant's  account,  I  hope  the  meeting  was  not  lost.  Spoke 
from  Rev.  3,  20  :  '-Behold  1  stand  at  the  door  and  hnockJ' 

"  Five  years  ago  this  afternoon,  was  the  day  so  me- 
morable in  my  life,  and  to  which  I  have  so  often  refer- 
red. 0 !  that  Christians  would  look  for  creat  and 
MIGHTY  THINGS  which  they  have  not  yet  known.  May 
the  year  to  come  be  fraught  with  signal  visits.  May  I 
be  willing  and  obedient,  that  my  peace  may  be  as  a  river 
and  my  righteousness  as  the  waves  of  the  sea. 
r  "24.  Stormy  all  day.  I  intended  and  had  made 
arrangements  to  visit  much  to-day,  but  have  been  at  home 
reading,  etc.  Heard  that  Seldon  B.  is  hoping  that  he 
is  a  Christian. 

"  25.  In  company  with  Charles  S.  visited  overground 
already  seen.     Found  some  encouragement.     A.  S.  in 
deep  distress.      Her   sister,  H.  S.,  left  on  Monday, 
|WLdeeply  anxious. 


w^.' 


82  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"  R.  A.  N.  rejoicing :  she  was  awakened  Sab- 
bath morning  last,  and  in  deep  trouble  all  day  and  eve- 
ning: next  day  about  noon,  thinks  she  gave  up  her 
heart  to  her  God.  An  interesting  case  :  she  appears 
awfully  solemn :  about  fourteen  years  of  age.  After 
visiting,  attended  meeting  at  Nichols'-Farm  school- 
house —  full  —  attentive  —  solemn.  Truth  seemed  to 
cut  its  way.     Spoke  from  '  Awake  thou  that  sleepest.' 

Miss ,  whom  I  saw  the  other  day,  and  advised  to 

give  up  her  old  hope  if  not  a  good  one —  in  great  trouble. 
She  was  once  awakened  and  examined  for  admission 
into  church :  but  concludes  she  never  experienced  re- 
ligion.    Work  advancing  in  Bridgeport. 

"  27.  Went  to  Bridgeport  yesterday  P.  M.  Bro- 
ther S.  gone  to  New- York.  Evening,  attended  the 
church-meeting  —  full  and  solemn.  Hope  they  will  do 
more  than  they  have  done.  Returned  to  Trumbull  this 
morning.  Some  pain  in  my  side.  Prepared  a  skeleton 
for  this  evening.  P.  M.  —  Mounted  my  horse  to  visit 
some,  but  found  I  could  not  ride  comfortably  —  stopped 
and  went  to  bed.  Evening:  Spoke  at  Chestnut-Hill 
school-house,  from  Luke  14,  17:  '  Come,  for  all  things 
are  ready.'  Full  and  solemn  —  some  weeping.  My 
brother  F.  on  his  way  from  college  to  New- York  — 
turned  up  to  Trumbull  to  see  me." 

May  we  not  here  pause  and  vent  our  sorrow,  as  we 
trace  this  ardent  lover  of  his  species  on  his  rounds 
through  the  different  neighbourhoods  in  Trumbull,  to 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  83 

secure  their  highest  welfare  1  And  do  we  not  see  that  he 
is  sacrificing  himself  on  the  altar  of  Christian  devotion 
for  these  people?     See  him  in  almost  every  note  he 
makes  at  night,  writing  "  fatigued  "  —  "  retired  before 
the  sun  was  set "  —  "  greatly  exhausted  "  —  and  in  the 
last  extract,  we  find  him  with  "  pain  in  his  side  —  unable 
to  ride  comfortably  —  stops   on  his   way  and  reposes 
himself  on  a  hospitable  bed."     But  he  rises  again  in 
the  evening,  and  speaks  to  the  people,  and  entreats  them 
to  "come"  to  Jesus,  "  for  all  things  are  ready."     And 
what,  I  ask,  constrained  this  young  man  to  put  forth  such 
effort,  in  such  a  state  of  a  debilitated  constitution  1  Had 
he  any  thing  to  gain  in  a  worldly  point  of  view  ?  It  was  his 
own  liberality  that  carried  him  there,  and  he  dreamed  not 
in  any  way  to  receive,  nor  xpected  a  farthing  in  remunera- 
tion for  his  toil.   It  was  all  a  free-will  'offering,  the  venting 
of  benevolent  emotions  that  poured  forth  in  fast  and  full 
venting  tears,  while  alone  he  stood  in  their  fields  on  his 
errands  of  love,  which  proved  angel- visits  to  many.    If 
there  should  chance  to  be  a  reader  of  this,  who  is  unable  to 
sympathize  in  the  feelings  which  prompted  James  Tay- 
lor to  such  sacrifices  for  the  future  happiness  of  those 
in  whose  behalf  his  interest  was  now  enlisted,  then  we 
say  that  such  a  person  has  not  had  his  heart  touched 
by  that  kindred  principle,  which  caused  Jesus  Christ  to 
cast  back  his  eye  upon  Jerusalem  and  weep  with  tender- 
ness of  commiseration  as  he  said, "  How  oft  would  I 
have  gathered  thee  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  brood  undei; 


84  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

her  wings  and  ye  would  not."  To  the  person  who  knew 
this  devoted  young  man,  the  secret  of  his  good-will 
towards  others  was  read  in  his  countenance.  It  beamed 
with  benevolence  —  it  glowed  with  a  smile  of  kindness, 
and  with  a  hallowed  and  amiable  purpose  that  one  would 
think  the  hardest  heart  of  iron  could  not  resist.  No  one 
could  behold  that  countenance  without  at  once  feeling 
the  conviction  that  nothing  else  than  the  principles  of 
the  Gospel  of  the  amiable  and  disinterested  Jesus  could 
have  so  lighted  it  up.  Such  was  the  truth.  He  was 
here  among  a  people,  who,  but  a  few  days  before,  were 
strangers  to  him.  But  his  soul  was  burning  with  a  love 
to  the  author  of  that  system  which  contemplated  alike 
every  soul  of  the  human  family,  and  by  which  alone  the 
soul  may  be  saved.  He  had  felt  the  happiness  which 
that  love  bestows,  and  which  whenever  felt,  g-oes  out  as 
its  legitimate  product  in  ardency  of  desire  and  sincerity 
in  effort  for  the  salvation  of  others.  The  providence  of 
God  directed  this  devoted  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ  to 
this  people,  among  whom  he  might  indulge  the  active 
benevolence  which  a  love  like  his  ever  produces.  And 
here  we  see  him  unmindful  of  his  debility,  putting  forth 
an  effort  beyond  the  usual  power  of  a  settled  and  ex- 
perienced minister.  But  he  dreamed  not  that  the  pains, 
which  he  could  not  but  notice,  were  the  consequence 
of  disease  which  soon,  very  soon,  was  to  lay  him  in  a 
grave,  distant  from  the  home  of  his  kindred.  Could 
those  people  for  whom  he  was  now  spending  his  strength 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  85 

have  seen  the  feverish  tint  that  already  sometimes 
mantled  his  cheek  from  over-exertion,  and  have  read  the 
swelling  emotions  of  his  ardent  bosom,  and  marked  the 
tears  of  concern  and  sympathy  that  gushed  from  the 
eyes  of  an  almost  stranger  on  his  errand  of  love  as  he 
crossed  their  fields  in  his  visits  from  house  to  house  — 
surely,  surely,  not  one  heart,  we  would  think,  could  have 
resisted  such  an  appeal. 

But  we  will  continue  the  extracts  from  his  Diary, 
showing  the  extent  and  the  ardency  of  his  labours  put 
forth  at  this  time,  and  the  happy  results  that  continued 
to  attend  them. 

"28.  Stormy.  Staid  at  home  and  prepared  for  the 
Sabbath. 

"29.  Sabbath  —  cloudy  —  Brother  Kant  preached 
in  the  forenoon.  P.  M. :  I  spoke  to  the  people  from 
Luke:.'t^m  nothing  better,  but  rather  grown  worse.^ 
Truth  seemed  to  take  effect. 

"Anxious  meetings  in  the  evening.  More  fully  at- 
tended than  I  expected,  owing  to  the  wetness  of  walk- 
ing and  appearances  of  rain  — solemn — one  approached 
me  this  evening  and  said  that  her  sister  felt  that  the 
eternal  truth  was  spoken  to-day.  Well  might  she  feel 
it,  for,  having  been  deeply  anxious,  her  impressions 
seem,  in  a  measure,  if  not  altogether,  to  have  left  her. 
How  then  has  she  '  waxed  worse  and  worse.' 

"  30.  Monday.  Went  to  Bridgeport  with  my  brother 
F.  and  then  parted  with  him.  Spent  the  day  with  brother 
8 


86  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

S.  Evening,  attended  the  anxious  meeting,  and  of  the 
professors  of  religion.  Things  seem  increasingly  inte- 
resting in  Bridgeport. 

"31.  Returned  to  Trumbull  this  morning.  When  I 
left  Bridgeport,  I  determined  to  go  to  Middle-Haddam  : 
but,  upon  reconsidering,  I  concluded  to  deny  myself  the 
happiness  of  seeing  my  dear  parents  and  kindred. 

"  Visited  this  P.  M.,  though  rainy,  and  found  encour- 
agement. Two  more,  who  seem  new-born —  Caroline 
B.  and  Camilla  P.  Found  one  who  was  awakened 
under  the  sermon —  'Awake  thou  thatsleepest.'  (L.N.) 
In  the  evening,  made  a  skeleton  from  the  words, — 
'  Young  man  arise,''    Luke  7,  14. 

"  May  1.  Wednesday,  P.  M.,  went  to  Booth's-Hill, 
and  visited  the  famihes  there.  Found  one  (A.  S.)  in 
deep  waters  still  :  yesterday  her  distress  was  such  as 
was  never  before  witnessed  by  those  around  her:  her 
cries  for  mercy  were  heard  as  far  as  the  gate  entering 
the  street :  she  has  kept  herself  shut  up  for  days.  I 
found  her  with  the  Bible  in  her  hands,  a  picture  of  dis- 
tress. The  father  is  enraged  at  me,  as  another  told  me. 
And,  as  though  /had  awakened  her  and  not  God,  he  is 
said  to  have  threatened  to  kick  me  out  of  doors  if  I  again 
come  into  his  house.  His  companion  and  two  daugh- 
ters seem  happy  to  see  me,  for  they  love  the  cause, 

"  How  short-sighted  is  the  blind  sinner  to  attribute 
that  to  man,  which  is  the  prerogative  of  God,  viz.  the 
awakening  of  the  sinner.  In  his  hands,  as  the  conveyer 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  8T 

of  the  truth,  one  may  be  the  instrument.  And  thanks 
to  the  Lord,  who  has  counted  me  worthy  to  be  a  co- 
worker with  Him  in  so  glorious  an  enterprise,  and  that 
victory  turns  on  Zion's  side. 

"  Evening.  Spoke  to  the  largest  collection  (as  they 
say,)  ever  congregated  on  Booth's-Hill,  from  Rev.  3  : 
20.  I  took  interest  in  the  subject.  It  was  solemn  and 
melting.     Returned  fatigued. 

"  2d.  Thursday.  Tarried  with  Deacon  N.  over  the 
night.  Visited  in  the  morning  in  the  neighbourhood. 
Found  one  that  was  awakened  under  the  discourse, 
*  What  lack  I  yeiV  Met  two  persons  in  Daniel's 
Farms.  One  in  trouble.  One  man,  debarred  me  from 
ever  entering  his  house  again.  The  circumstances  are 
too  trivial  to  be  mentioned.  He  was  in  a  rage  ;  and  I 
think  by  this  time  is  ashamed  of  his  conduct.  What 
am  I,  to  have  such  honour  1  To  Christ  the  language 
was,  '  Glutton  and  wine-bibber.'  *  Get  out  of  our 
coasts.'  I  think  he  was  as  much  enraged  as  I  ever  saw 
a  man.  But  I  was  as  calm  as  a  summer  eve,  and  before 
I  left  him  he  was  quelled  down,  so  that  I  could  talk 
with  him.  Perhaps  he  will  think  that  he  abused  me. 
May  he  go  to  Christ,  and  all  his  house." 

Whose  heart  would  not  be  won  by  a  religion,  that 
will  mould  the  character  into  such  a  lovehness  as  is 
here  exhibited  ?  How  unlike  all  that  antiquity  besides 
has  given  us.  Jesus  Christ  when  he  was  "  reviled,  re- 
viled not  again."     James  Taylor,  the  disciple  of  this 


8&  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

Lord,  and  with  the  spirit  of  his  Master,  when  buffeted  on 
one  cheek,  turned,  with  a  meekness  of  spirit,  and  pre- 
sented the  other.  What  philosopher  before  the  Christian 
era  ever  inculcated  such  a  precept  ?  We  find  it  not  in 
all  the  ethic-rolls  which  they  have  left  for  after  ages. 
A  tooth  for  a  tooth,  and  an  eye  for  an  eye,  is  the  spirit 
of  their  revengeful  codes.  Will  any  say  that  James 
Taylor  was  pusillanimous  in  this  behaviour  ?  Such  a 
man  of  punctilio  never  had  his  acquaintance.  Let  him 
review  his  college-life.  If  there  is  a  specimen  of  moral 
sublimity  and  mental  daring  on  record,  you  find  it 
there.  You  see  him,  single-handed,  resolving  to  ap- 
proach each  of  his  associates  in  study,  under  circum- 
stances that  might  have  daunted  any  other  spirit  than 
that  of  James  Taylor's.  He  resolved,  and  he  went 
forth  and  put  his  purpose  into  execution  He  wavered 
not,  although  the  wrath,  and  the  sneer,  and  the  jeu  d^- 
esprit  of  a  college-combination  could  alone  have  been 
anticipated,  by  a  mind  that  looked  at  human  nature  as 
he  had  learned  to  scan  it.  And  when  threatened  to  be 
attacked  in  his  room  by  a  number  of  his  college-associ- 
ates, who,  in  disguise,  wished  to  resent  the  freedom  he 
had  assumed  in  presenting  to  them  the  subject  of  their 
6bligations  to  their  God,  he  lays  aside  the  clubs  which 
he  and  his  companion  had  gathered  for  self-protection, 
and  with  the  calmness  of  an  infant-child  he  falls  into 
unbroken  slumbers,  and  wakes  in  the  morning  re-assur- 
ed in  his  confiding  trust  in  the  protection  and  care 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  89 

of  his  God.  And  it  is  known  to  the  writer  of  this 
Tribute  that  he  was  placed  in  other  circumstances 
which  would  have  shaken  the  nerves  of  a  less  fearless 
spirit.  And  once,  speaking  with  him  on  the  propriety 
of  a  traveller's  carrying  pistols  with  him  in  a  foreign 
land,  he  exclaimed,  with  an  eye  kindling  with  assured 
confidence  in  his  power  over  the  feelings  of  others,  "  / 
don't  believe  but  I  could  subdue  the  heart  of  a  robber  /" 
If  he  could  not,  his  Diary  shows  us  that  he  has  more 
than  once  quelled  the  rag^  of  a  passionate  man.  And 
once  when  with  him  passing  a  group  of  persons  in  the 
midst  of  whom  one  was  indulging  in  horrid  impreca- 
tions, James  Taylor  withdrew  his  arm  from  mine  and 
advanced  to  the  circle,  and  in  a  moment  turned  again 
from  the  group  with  the  thanks  of  the  passionate  man 
audibly  expressed  for  his  counsel. 

James  Taylor  was  a  brave  man.  He  was  always 
self-possessed,  although  of  intensely  susceptible  feel- 
ings. But,  he  had  trained  them.  He  had  marshalled 
his  passions  with  the  mental  eye  of  one  whose  percep- 
tion had  minutely  read  the  constitutional  susceptibilities 
of  our  nature  ;  and  with  the  uncompromising  purpose  of 
one,  whose  principles  were  formed  by  the  amiable,  and 
forbearing,  and  good-seeking  system  of  Jesus  Christ  — 
a  system  which  is  willing  to  sacrifice  much  of  self  for 
the  happinecs  of  the  immortal  souls  of  others.  Punc- 
tilio, according  to  its  definition  in  the  code  of  honour, 
entered  not  into  his  definition  of  a  gentleman,  or  a  hero. 
8* 


90  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

And  yet  no  man  had  clearer  perceptions  of  fitness  and 
propriety  in  things  and  manners.  But  benevolence  to- 
wards his  fellow-men  was  the  prevailing  principle  which 
ruled  his  action  ;  and  punctilio  was  too  much  a  trifle  to 
occupy  a  mind  bent  ever,  with  an  intense  desire,  on  the 
salvation  even  of  his  enemy.  And  yet,  he  knew  when 
to  insist,  and  when  to  demand^  where  a  contrary  course 
would  encourage  imposition,  or  favour  impropriety  in 
action  or  manner.  And  few  men  of  his  years  ever  se- 
cured a  more  general  deference  and  respect.  In  no 
other  person  have  I  ever  witnessed  so  much  of  the  gen- 
tleness of  the  lamb  united  with  the  unfaltering  courage 
of  the  lion.  But  his  characteristic  was  to  "  be  wise  as 
the  serpent  and  harmless  as  the  dove."  With  such  energy 
and  gentleness  —  quailing  never  when  pursuing  the 
path  of  duty,  but  solicitous  ever  to  adopt  the  course  of 
most  successful  effort  in  his  benevolent  designs  towards 
his  fell(;w-men,  he  walked  forth  wherever  he  went,  with 
a  composed  step  and  a  swelling  heart  —  the  doer-of-good 
to  those  with  whom  he  associated.  It  was  thus  he 
moved  through  the  community  where  we  now  find  him, 
spending  his  energies  of  mind  and  the  waning  powers 
of  his  constitution,  which  was  now  fearfully  approaching 
a  crisis  in  his  experience,  which  should  at  length  sus- 
pend his  efforts  of  active  benevolence  toward  his  fellow- 
men,  and  of  happiness  to  himself;  and  was  destined 
ere  long  to  throw  a  deeper  cloud  upon  the  bright  hopes 
of  his  friends,  and  eventually  to  dispel  from  his  own 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  91 

bosom  the  last  ray  of  happy  expectation  of  labouring, 
as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  in  the  vineyard  of  his 
Lord. 

I  continue  the  extracts  from  his  Diary,  exhibiting  his 
further  and  successful  efforts  among  the  people  of 
Trumbull. 

The  next  entry  succeeding  the  last  one  quoted,  is 
made  the  same  P.  M.  as  follows :  — 

"  Returned  home  and  retired  to  rest.  Evening. 
Spoke  at  White-Plain  school-house,  from  Luke  7,  14. 
'  Young  man  arise.^  Crowded  and  attentive.  Received 
a  letter  from  my  brothers  K,  &  J.     Wrote  to  them. 

The  following  is  the  letter  alluded  to.  It  is  in  reply 
to  a  joint-note  from  his  brothers,  who  questioned  whether 
he  were  not  assuming  too  great  a  license  in  his  public 
action,  being  as  yet  only  a  theological  student. 

"  Trumbull,  May  3d,  1827. 

"  My  ever  dear  Brothers  : 

"  Your  paternal  epistle  reached  me  last  evening, 
after  the  fatiguing  labours  of  another  day.  Did  you 
know  how  it  refreshed  me  to  hear  from  you,  perhaps  you 
would  write  oftener. 

"  Of  all  people  in  the  world,  I  have  the  least  reason 
to  doubt  the  tender  regard  and  iimely  solicitude  of  my 
brothers.  Too  much  has  been  manifested  on  your  part 
to  leave  me  in  doubt  as  to  your  best  feelings. 

"  I  am  fully  persuaded  that  your  most  cordial  desires 


92  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OP 

are  enlisted  for  my  welfare;  and  often  with  weeping 
have  I  thanked  our  common  Father,  that  I  have  relations 
and  friends  so  valuable  as  you,  and  have  both  proved 
yourselves  to  be,  to  the  unworthiest.  Even  now,  spon- 
taneous tears  fill  my  eyes,  and  my  soul  breathes  the 
prayer,  May  heaven  bless  you  both,  and  all  yours,  now 
and  for  ever. 

"All  the  'power'  that  belongs  to  me,  'ecclesiasti- 
cally,' is  that  of  a  lay  member ;  for  I  am  simply  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Cedar-street  Church.  As  such,  it  becomes 
me,  in  common  with  my  brethren,  to  do  'good  to  all.' 
What  greater  good  than  that  of  winning  their  souls  to 
Christ  ?  To  attempt  this  is  the  duty  of  the  weakest,  as 
well  as  the  most  gigantic  servant  of  Jesus. 

*'  That  I  have  a  call  of  God  besides,  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  I  have  no  more  doubt  than  I  have  of  the  ex- 
istence of  God.  This  I  count  a  blessing,  one  I  did  not 
enjoy  when  I  began  to  prepare  for  this  work.  But  since 
I  received  it,  it  has  been  peculiarly  satisfactory ;  and 
what  all  do  not  have  the  happiness  to  possess.  It  did 
not  become  mine,  but  through  strong  cries,  and  many 
tears,  and  wrestlings,  when  I  was  in  college.  In  grate- 
ful remembrance  of  that  season,  my  pen  has  stopped  to 
weep,  and  thank  the  Lord.  It  is  a  blessing  of  his  im- 
parting, not  to  me,  but  to  Him  be  the  praise.  It  is  a 
blessin^-  of  great  worth  to  any  one  who  attempts  to 
preach  the  Gospel,  to  feel  that  he  has  a  commission  from 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  93 

God.  I  now  feel  as  I  have  often  felt ;  *  Wo  is  me,  if  I 
preach  not  the  Gospel.' 

"  The  power  I  now  exercise,  if  I  exercise  any,  is  this, 
simply  this,  and  no  more  than  this,  '  Speaking  the  truth 
to  my  neighbour.'  Zech.  v.  3.  16.  This  I  do,  *  pub- 
licly and  from  house  to  house,'  by  night  and  by  day,  as 
I  have  opportunity.  I  do  not  baptize  nor  administer  the 
sacrament.  What  I  do  is  done  under  the  sanction  and 
wish  of  the  regularly  ordained  pastors  of  these  churches; 
and,  if  I  mistake  not,  from  the  expressions  of  some,  in 
accordance  with  the  ardent  wishes  of  the  church  members 
themselves.  If  this  be  wrong,  let  a  man  prove  it  so, 
and  I  will  cease  to  do  wrong. 

**  What  matters  it  whether  I  take  my  stand  in  a  pulpit 
or  on  a  stump  in  the  field  ?  If  in  the  church,  why  under 
the  pulpit  rather  than  in  it?  If  the  question  be  decided 
by  convenience,  both  for  the  audience  and  the  speaker, 
the  pulpit  is  the  place. 

"  To  me  this  seems  to  be  straining  at  a  gnat  and 
swallowing  a  camel.  Knock  down  the  pulpit,  and  raise 
a  platform.  To  me  it  makes  no  difference  where  I  stand. 
But  I  like  to  see  the  people,  and  hearers  generally  like 
to  see  the  speaker. 

"  You  say  '  it  is  out  of  order.'  What  statute  book  de- 
cides it  to  be  out  of  order  for  one  to  'speak  the  truth'  to 
all  who  will  hear  him?  To  what  body  am  I  amenable 
—  who  will  dare  to  censure  me,  and  reprove  me  for 
seeking  not  mine  own,  but  the  things  that  are  Jesus 


94  TRIBUTE    TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

Christ's  1  and  in  the  way  I  do  it  ?  Will  a  Presbytery? 
They  have  no  power  over  me,  for  I  am  not  a  member  of 
such  a  body.  Will  the  session  of  the  church  of  which  I 
am  a  member  ?  To  them  I  am  amenable,  if  the  course 
I  have  taken  be  wrong.  Will  the  Theological  School 
at  New- Haven  1  Thus  do  the  students  —  at  least  one 
of  them  told  me  he  did  the  same  before  he  was  licensed, 
to  support  a  vacant  pulpit.  And  when  a  minister  wants 
help,  shall  not  one  help  him  in  a  way  seemingly  the  best  ? 
Shall  I  be  censured  by  those  ministers,  who  conducted 
me  into  the  pulpit  1 

"  *  Why  appear  as  a  minister  when  you  are  not?'  It 
is  known  that  I  am  a  student  of  theology.  The  min- 
ister, in  the  church,  and  when  present  at  other  meetings, 
always  pronounces  the  benediction.  When  absent,  I 
close  the  meeting  with  a  short  prayer.  'I  am  not 
ashamed.'  Why  should  I  be  ?  God  approves  —  sin- 
ners are  awakened  and  converted  —  meetings  are 
crowded  —  houses  are  opened  to  receive  me  —  the 
work  of  God  is  advancing  —  the  harvest  whitens  :  says 
the  minister,  with  affection  and  emphasis  — '  We  love 
you  and  wish  you  here '  —  prays  for  me,  unwilling  that 
I  should  leave  him. 

"  When  the  cry  is  all  around,  help,  help,  help,  shall  I 
close  my  mouth,  because  a  man  may  make  a  distinction 
between  a  pulpit  and  something  else,  when  no  such  dis- 
tinction is  made  by  the  Bible  ?  Never  —  were  I  to  die 
to-day.     I  feel  that  I  ought  not  to  hold  my  peace  ;  and 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  96 

as  I  know  of  no  statute  that  forbids  my  naming  a  text 
to  speak  from,  and  as  I  find  this  the  most  convenient 
for  myself,  and  every  way  acceptable  to  those  who  hear 
me,  I  presume  I  shall  not  be  censured  for  this. 

"  The  question  is.  What  is  right  ?  not  what  this  or 
that  man  says,  without  alleging  his  proof —  shall  I  hold 
my  peace  ?  My  labours  have  been  so  great  for  some 
time  past,  you  need  not  be  surprised,  if  I  turn  aside  and 
rest  awhile.  I  shall  be  glad  once  more  to  fall  into  your 
embraces,  and  to  be  refreshed  in  your  mansions. 

"  May  you  increase  more  and  more  in  this  world's 
goods,  but  especially  be  rich  towards  God. 

"  Through  your  munificence  I  abound,  and  am  now 
as  I  always  have  been, 

"  Your  obliged  and  affectionate  brother, 

"J.  B.  T." 

*'  3d.  Friday  P.  M.  Rode  to  New-Haven.  Found 
it  advantageous.     Called  on  Rev.  Mr.  L.  of  Stratford. 

"4th.  Saturday.  Returned  from  New-Haven,  via 
Derby  and  Huntington.  Saw  Rev.  Mr.  P.,  who  wished 
me  to  come  and  labour  in  his  society.  Things  are  in- 
teresting and  have  been  so  for  months  past.  Met  Rev. 
Mr.  N.  of  R.,  who  invited  me  to  his  house. 

"  Returning  through  Booth's-Hill,  found  Abbey  S. 
rejoicing.  She  met  me  not  the  same  picture  of  distress 
which  I  had  left  when  I  parted  with  her  on  Thursday 
morning,  but  the  brighter  resemblance  of  joy.     A  sig- 


li 


96  TRIBUTE   TO  THE    MEMORY  OF 

nal  deliverance.  A  bright  case.  Mother  and  sisters 
rejoice  with  her.  H.  in  deep  trouble,  having  returned 
home  and  found  her  younger  sister  taken  and  she  left. 

"  A.  S.  told  me  that  she  thought  that  she  was  awaken- 
ed in  hearing  me  talk  with  her  sister,  and  at  the  meeting 
when  I  spoke  from  the  words,  '  What  lack  1  yet  V 

"  5.  Sabbath  evening.  Last  evening  prepared  a  dis- 
course from  Eph.  4,  30.  '  Grieve  not  the  Holy  Spirit 
of  God,^  Retired  to  my  room  to  seek  God.  I  have 
found  him  as  my  Father,  Redeemer,  and  Sanctifier. 
My  heart  has  broken  and  melted  in  some  good  degree. 
It  has  bled  for  this  people,  that  God  would  visit  them  in 
great  power.  This  morning,  I  have  again,  with  tears 
and  contrition  of  spirit,  thrown  myself  upon  the  altar 
of  God,  as  a  burnt  sacrifice.  I  felt  and  said  to  God, 
*If  thou  throw  me  into  hell,  at  least,  let  me  live 
for  thy  glory  while  on  earth.'  I  felt  as  though  I  de- 
served to  be  hurled  into  the  nethermost  hell,  on  account 
of  my  sins  and  great  inconsistency.  I  felt  heart-broken 
in  view  of  the  littleness  of  my  own  growth  in  grace, 
when  apparently  the  instrument  under  God  of  awaken- 
ing and  converting  others.  I  have  this  morning  longed 
with  fulness  of  soul  that  I  might  see  the  glory  of  God 
in  the  sanctuary,  as  I  never  saw  it  before.  Submis- 
sively, I  laid  all  before  God. 

"  Spoke  in  the  morning  from  Eph.  4,  30.  '  Grieve  not 
the  Holy  Spirit  of  God.'  Felt  the  assistance  of  the 
blessing,  which  I  experienced  in  my  chamber  this  morn- 
ing.    Truth  seemed  to  go  home  to  the  hearts  of  the 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  79 

people.  At  noon,  followed  up  the  subject  in  the  meet- 
ing for  professors  and  others.  Heard  that  —  (the  one  not 
quite  ready,  &c.,  a  few  days  since,)  submitted  her  heart 
to  God  yesterday,  after  I  left  her.  In  the  P.  M.  brother 
Kant  preached  a  sacramental  sermon,  and  administered 
the  Lord's  supper.  In  the  evening  attended  the  anxious 
meeting.  Between  thirty  and  forty  were  present 
though  cloudy  and  likely  to  rain.  Found  another 
instance  of  rejoicing.  Said  the  person  '  I  am  happy.' 
William  B.,  son  of  one  of  the  deacons,  thinks  that  he 
found  Christ  as  his  accepted  Saviour,  in  the  church, 
thi?  A  M.  This  lad  of  thirteen  years  of  age,  was 
singularly  awakened.  At  home,  and  during  most  of  a 
night  he  was  in  distress,  and  wept.  No  one  had  spoken 
to  him.  When  it  was  enquired  of  him  why  he  was  thus 
distressed,  he  was  unwilling  to  tell.  At  length,  how- 
ever, he  said,  'it  is  nothing  as  to  this  world.'  His 
father  bows  before  God  in  humble  gratitude.  His  case 
has  been  an  interesting  one  of  anxiety. 

"  12.  Sabbath.  Last  Monday  set  out  for  New- York. 
Our  Saviour  said  to  his  disciples  *Let  us  turn  aside  and 
rest  awhile.'  Thus  I  went  to  recruit.  On  board  of  the 
steamboat  met  the  Rev.  Mr.  S.  of  D.,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
B.,  both  of  whom  solicited  my  labours. 

"  Found  my  friends  in  New- York  well,  and  as  usual 
glad  to  see  me.     Rev.  Mr.  Bruen  was  desirous  of  my 
help  in  New- York.     Addressed  his  flock  in  the  lecture- 
room.     But  all  must  be  given  up  to  cultivate  the  field 
9 


98  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

in  Trumbull  for  a  season.  During  the  week,  in  New- 
York,  attended  the  anniversaries  of  the  different  be- 
nevolent institutions.  More  interesting  than  usual. 
Less  display  and  more  spirituality  marked  the  per- 
formances. 

"  While  in  New- York,  I  heard  of  the  death  of  Miss 
Sarah  W.,  whose  case  is  of  dear  remembrance,  as  wit- 
nessed two  years  since  in  Princeton.  I  felt  as  if  I  had 
lost  one  of  my  praying  friends.  In  the  evening  I  wept 
as  I  walked  the  streets.  It  was  not  because  this  friend 
had  gone  to  heaven,  but  that  one  so  unworthy  as  my- 
self, in  any  way,  should  have  peopled  that  heavenly 
world.  As  one  of  my  spiritual  children,  and  perhaps 
the  first  one  gone  to  glory,  I  hope  to  meet  her  at  the 
right  hand  of  God." 

It  may  not  be  uninteresting,  in  connexion  with  this 
affecting  remembrance  of  Mr.  T.,  to  interrupt  his  jour- 
nal by  an  extract  from  two  letters  of  this  young  lady, 
which  were  sent  in  reply  to  communications*  addressed 
to  her  by  Mr.  Taylor,  by  way  of  assisting  her  in  her  new 
course  of  discipleship  to  Jesus  Christ.  She  is  now,  it 
is  to  be  trusted,  in  the  society  of  the  happy,  to  be  for- 
ever grateful  for  the  influences,  which,  in  the  providence 
of  God,  were  brought  to  bear  upon  her  mind  through 
the  instrumentality  of  him,  whom  we  have  contemplated 
in  the  preceding  paragraph  as  weeping,  in  tender  recol- 

*  See  Memoir. 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  99 


lections,  over  the  departure  of  this  his  Christian  friend. 
The  first  letter  is  dated  Trenton,  April  7th  —  the  se- 
cond, May  8,  1825. 

"  Yesterday  I  received  your  very  kind  letter.  It  was 
a  pleasure  I  little  anticipated.  To  you,  sir,  I  feel  that 
I  can  never  be  sufficiently  grateful  for  your  kindness 
and  perseverance  towards  me,  a  stranger  as  I  was, 
when  you  first  conversed  with  me !  Hourly  do  I  bless 
my  Maker,  that  he  permitted  me  to  visit  Princeton,  and 
there  to  form  an  acquaintance  with  such  a  faithful  guide 
as  you  have  been.  Indeed,  at  this  instant,  I  feel,  that 
but  for  your  conversation,  argument,  exhortation  and 
watchfulness,  and  your  prayers,  I  should,  until  now, 
have  been  a  wretched  wanderer  fiom  Christ,  and  perhaps 
have  continued  to  wander  until  I  was  lost !  But  I  now 
feel  that  I  can  say,  with  a  penitent  and  thankful  heart, 
*  Bless  the  Lord,  0  my  soul,  and  all  that  is  within  me 
bless  his  holy  name  !'  '  Blessed  are  they  that  put  their 
trust  in  him.'  It  is  my  constant  prayer  that  I  may  be 
willing  at  all  times  to  submit  to  my  Redeemer's  will, 
and  have  no  will  otherwise  of  my  own. 

"  Your  letter  contains  much  good  advice,  and  may 
the  Lord  bless  you  for  giving  it ;  and  to  me  give  grace 
to  walk  in  the  path  you  have  so  kindly  and  so  plainly 
pointed  out.  Yes,  I  see  the  path  of  duty  is  plain  and 
delightful  to  the  Christian  who  walks  obediently  and  de- 
cidedly therein  ;  but  how  much  difficulty  and  trouble 
they  will  meet  with,  who  turn  aside  from  the  strait  and 


100  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY   OP 

plain  path.     *  Lord,  lead  me  in  the  right  way/     *  Be 
thou  the  guard  and  guide  of  my  youth.' 

"  You  urge  me  '  to  press  forward  into  the  fullness  of 
Christ's  love.'  Such  is  my  constant  prayer  and  sincere 
desire.  I  feel  as  if  I  had  but  just  touched  the  hem  of 
my  Saviour's  garment ;  but  I  long  to  press  forward,  and 
clasp  him  to  my  arms,  and  call  him  mine  forever.  If 
others  will  stand  still,  it  will  not  do  for  me.  I  have 
much  to  do,  having  so  long  been  a  votary  of  sin ;  and  I 
feel  that  no  succeeding  moment  of  my  time  can  now  be 
spared  to  be  given  to  the  world,  since  my  eyes  have 
been  opened.  Oh  how  many  precious  days  have  I  lost  ? 
How  many  precious  privileges  ?  How  many  Sabbaths 
have  I  broken  ?  I  feel  myself  a  very  child  in  religion, 
and  that  I  have  every  thing  to  learn.  But  all  my  de- 
pendence is  on  God  ;  and  oh,  what  a  good  and  faithful 
God  he  is.  Like  Mary,  will  I  sit  at  his  feet  and 
learn. 

"  Immediately  on  my  return  to  T.,  I  was  much  en- 
gaged, but  my  thoughts  were  most  busy  in  looking  back 
upon  my  past  life,  and  in  blessing  God  that  he  had 
so  long  and  kindly  borne  with  me.  Hourly  do  new 
views  spring  up  in  my  mind  to  awaken  my  thank- 
fulness. 

"  I  have  had  but  little  time  to  devote  to  my  friends 
since  my  return.  My  young  friends  have  called  on 
me,  but  I  have  not  conversed  with  them  yet.  This 
morning  I  called  to  see  a  young  lady  with  whom  I  was 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR. 


101 


intimate.  She  was  at  home.  When  I  left  her,  she 
wept.  Dear  girl,  her  heart  is  tender.  I  hope,  ere  long 
she  may  see  the  folly  of  living  without  an  interest  in  the 
Saviour,  and  submit  her  heart  to  him. 

"  Mr.  Taylor,  you  wrote  me  that  some  on  Monday 
evening  appeared  more  anxious.  The  Lord  be  praised 
for  it.  My  heart  was  with  you  all.  My  prayers,  too, 
feeble  as  they  are,  that  little  band  will  always  have.  I 
know  I  was  always  backward  in  conversing  with  you. 
I  do  not  know  how  I  could  have  been  so  with  you,  who 
have  been  to  me  such  a  kind  and  faithful  friend  ;  but 
you  will  please  forgive  me,  and  think  not,  because  I  did 
not  ajiswer,  I  did  not  hear.  Indeed,  the  fear  of  losing 
a  word,  I  believe,  sometimes  kept  me  still. 

"  I  think  that  C.  is  very  anxious.  I  did  not  converse 
mach  with  her,  but  intend  writing.  Do  you,  sir,  con- 
verse with  her,  just  as  you  used  to  do  with  me.  She  can- 
not long  remain  in  her  present  state  of  mind.  Persuade 
her  to  submit  to  her  Saviour.  But  should  she  go  back 
—  I  dare  not  to  think  of  it. 

"  I  now  feel  that  I  have  lost  much,  by  not  being  less 
reserved  when  with  you.  There  are  many  things  about 
which  I  would  now  like  to  inquire.  You  have  been  my 
kind  and  persevering  guide  thus  far.  You  know  my 
feelings  and  sentiments  better  than  any  one  else.  Per- 
haps you  may  think  otherwise,  as  I  did  not  freely  ex- 
press them.  But  you  have  conversed  with  me,  or,  at 
least,  talked  a  great  deal  to  me ;  and  you  never  uttered 
9* 


102  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

a  single  opinion  in  which  I  did  not  fully  agree  with  you. 
If  I  had  not,  I  should  have  told  you.  And  I  now  feel 
that  you  can  better  guide  me  than  any  other  of  my  reli- 
gious friends.  I  hear  much  on  some  points  of  doctrine 
I  perhaps  do  not  understand.  My  experience  is  short. 
But,  since  I  returned,  I  have  read  in  my  Bible  every  leis- 
ure moment.  I  have  not  as  yet  read  much  in  the  books 
you  loaned  me.  I  desire  to  come  out  from  the  world 
by  a  public  profession  of  religion.  I  feel  it  to  be  my 
duty,  and  would  not  willingly  break  one  of  the  least 
commandments  of  God.  But  I  would  not  be  called  a 
roving  Christian;  and  would  always  wish  to  live  a 
member  of  that  church  I  may  join,  and  would  under- 
stand its  doctrines,  that  I  may,  if  I  approve,  abide  by 
them.  My  mind,  in  this  state  of  anxiety,  is  unsettled. 
I  feel  that  the  advice  you  would  give  would  be  proper, 
as  you  are  most  competent,  and  it  would  be  such  as  I 
could  follow ;  and  I  pray  God  that  your  answer  may 
direct  me. 

"  My  mother  desires  to  be  remembered  to  you,  who 
have  been  the  means  of  opening  her  daughter's  eyes. 

"S.  W." 

"  I  return  you  many  thanks  for  your  kind  letter.  I 
pray  I  may  be  profited  by  so  much  good  advice,  kind 
caution,  and  many  wishes  for  my  happiness. 

*'  My  mind  was  very  much  harrassed  after  I  left 
Princeton,  about  joining  the  church.     I  now  see  that 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  103 

my  motives  for  staying  from  the  communion  were  very 
weak  ones ;  and  that  it  was  altogether  a  delusion  of  satan 
to  tempt  me  to  stay  back.  If  I  had  delayed,  I  now  feel  that 
I  should  have  been  wretched  —  for,  I  should  knowingly 
have  broken  one  of  the  most  binding  commandments, 

"  The  Sunday  after  you  left  here,  I  joined  the  church. 
Yes,  for  the  first  time,  I  took  my  seat  with  the  people  of 
God  at  the  Communion  table.  My  feelings  on  that  day 
I  can  never  describe.  My  soul  was  melted  into  repent- 
ance for  sin,  and  into  love  towards  that  dear  Saviour, 
who  had  done  so  much  for  me.  I  never  before  felt  so 
sensibly  the  deep  extent  of  my  obligation  to  God.  I 
never  before  felt  so  sensibly  the  depth  of  my  ingrati- 
tude, and  my  utter  unworthiness  to  receive  any  mercy 
or  favour  from  the  hand  of  God.  But  I  went  with  all 
my  sins  —  a  heavy  burden.  1  bowed  down  at  the  feet 
of  my  Saviour.  I  there  anew  submitted  myself  to  him 
all  unworthy  as  I  was.  I  begged  of  him  to  cleanse  me 
from  all  my  sins,  and  sanctify  my  soul. 

"  After  partaking  of  the  emblems,  my  soul  felt  greatly 
refreshed  and  strengthened.  It  was  a  blessed  season 
to  my  soul.  Verily,  the  Lord  was  there.  I  felt  his 
presence.     I  felt  that '  his  banner  over  me  was  love.' 

"  And  now,  my  friend,  I  have  more  need  than  ever 
of  your  prayers.  Pray  that  I  may  prove  faithful  to  the 
promises  I  have  made.  They  were,  to  renounce  the 
world  and  its  vanities,  and  to  live  to  God  alone  —  to 
that  great  and  good  God !  who  has  been  so  good,  and 


104  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

SO  kind,  and  so  merciful  to  me,  a  poor,  miserable  sinner. 

0  !  may  I  feel  the  solemnity  of  what  I  there  engaged. 
May  I  be  watchful  over  every  thought,  and  every  word 
and  action.  I  daily  pray  to  God  that  he  will,  for  Christ's 
sake,  lead  me  in  the  strait  path  of  duty  —  keep  my  feet 
from  falling,  and  be  the  guide  and  the  guard  of  my  youth  ; 
and  that  I  may  not  be  a  stumbling  block  in  the  way  of 
others.  And  yet,  if  it  may  seem  strange  to  you,  I  have 
sometimes  been  tempted  to  think  that  I  have  deceived 
myself,  and  am  not  a  Christian.     But,  on  examination, 

1  feel  an  evidence  within,  that  I  have  met  with  a  change, 
and  that  Christ  did  suffer  and  die  even  for  me.  I  will 
tell  you  what  led  me  to  doubt.  I  find  not  in  myself  all 
that  spirit  of  zeal  and  holy  fervor  which  I  have  heard 
others  speak  of —  those  holy  transports  and  meltings  I 
have  heard  you  describe.  But  I  know  there  are  *  babes 
in  Christ.'  I  feel  my  weakness.  I  pray  God  to  strength- 
en me.  And  I  would  that  Christ  may  fill  my  soul  with 
his  love,  and  that  all  I  do  may  be  for  his  glory. 

"I  have  examined  the  commands  and  the  promises, 
you  so  kindly  pointed  out.  God  grant  me  grace  to  obey 
the  commands,  and  then  the  promises  will  all  be  ful- 
filled. Pray  that  the  Lord  would  give  me  a  spirit  of 
prayer.  And  I  desire  the  '  gift'  of  prayer.  Your  pray- 
ers for  me  have  been  heard,  and  I  hope  answered.  I 
know  that  God  hears  the  prayers  of  the  weakest.  I  feel 
that  he  hears  mine ;  and  blessed  be  his  name  for  it. 
But  while  I  pray  for  myself,  I  would  pray  for  others, 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  105 

and  with  them.     It  is  this  that  I  want  —  the  spirit  not 
only  to  pray  for  but  with  them 

"  I  still  am  forced  to  say  that  I  have  conversed  but 
little  with  my  friends.  The  opportunity  has  not  been 
given  me,  and  I  greatly  fear  that  all  I  could  say  would 
be  disregarded.  But  even  if  it  should  be  so,  I  will  not 
neglect  my  duty.  I  have  affronted  two  young  ladies  of 
my  acquaintance  already.  I  cannot  help  it.  I  did  not 
mean  to  offend  them.  I  do  not  wish  them  to  know  that 
I  have  ever  heard  any  thing  that  they  have  said.  I  have 
been  disappointed  about  the  young  friend  I  mentioned  in 
my  first  letter.  She  is  not  even  thoughtful.  At  least,  she 
is  not  considered  so.  I  have  gone  several  times  to  see 
her,  but  always  found  company  with  her. 

"  My  mother  desires  her  remembrance,  and  I  again 
ask  your  prayers.  Farewell.  And  if  we  meet  not  again 
in  this  world,  God  grant  that  we  may  meet  in  heaven. 

"S.  W." 

Such  were  the  early  breathings  of  the  Christian  spirit 
of  this  young  lady,  who  not  many  months  after  died  in  a 
full  and  confiding  trust  in  the  love  of  a  Saviour,  to  whom 
she  thus  early  devoted  her  affections.  And  now,  we 
trust  she  is  not  the  only  one  among  the  happy  spirits  of 
the  saved,  who  have  left  this  earth,  with  grateful  ac- 
knowledgement of  the  Christian  exertions  and  affection- 
ate solicitude  of  one,  who,  in  the  last  extract  we  have 
made  from  his  journal,  is  represented  by  his  own  pa- 


106  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY  OF 


thetic  pen,  as  pausing  amid  grateful  but  melancholy  re- 
collections to  weep  for  the  exit  from  this  earth,  of  a 
spirit,  which,  under  God,  he  trusted  he  had  been  the 
means  of  furthering  on  its  way  to  the  changeless  bles- 
sedness of  the  saved. 

It  is  a  grateful  pause,  as  we  advance  in  the  extracts 
from  Mr.  Taylor's  journal,  which  records  his  continued 
and  similar  action  and  successful  exertions  for  others, 
thus  to  quote  the  evidence  of  the  consistent  disciple- 
ship  of  those  who  have  been  immediately  influenced  by 
his  efforts,  but  v/hose  hands  that  traced  the  con- 
sistent sentiment,  and  whose  bosoms,  which  felt  the 
devoted  emotions,  are  now  cold  as  his  own  dust ;  but 
whose  spirits  now  together,  alike  glow  around  the 
throne  of  their  God  in  happy  and  ceaseless  communion 
and  worship.  Other  similar  communications  might  be 
quoted,  but  we  return  to  the  Diary. 

"  Arrived  at  brother  Kant's,  who  cordially  welcomed 
my  return.  Found  that  C.  B.,  whom  I  had  left  in  deep 
distress,  had  submitted.  Also  Miss  P.  S.  The  one 
on  the  first,  the  other  on  the  fourth  instant. 

"  This  Sabbath-noon  was  a  season  of  power.  Con- 
viction seemed  to  roll  like  a  turbulent  vrave  through  the 
meeting,  as  I  urged  sinners  to  prepare  to  sit  down  with 
the  children  of  God  in  heaven,  else  the  time  would 
come,  and  that  soon,  when  they  could  sit  no  longer  beside 
Christians  here.  This  P.  M.  spoke  from  the  words  — 
'  /  pray  thee  have  me  excused,*     And   was   attentive. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  107 

In  the  evening,  about  thirty-five  were  at  the  meeting  of 
inquiry.     Tarried  over  night  with  deacon  Nichols. 

"  13.  Monday.  Saw  Miss  F.  B.,  who  thinks  she 
gave  her  heart  to  God  this  morning.  Awakened  under, 
*  If  hat  lack  I  yet  V  Has  been  in  deep  distress.  Vis- 
ited and  found  encouragement. 

"  14.  Thursday.  Spent  the  night  at  Rev.  Mr.  V.'s 
in  Bridgeport.  Had  purposed  to  go  to  Middle-Had- 
dam,  and  take  a  journey  with  my  dear  mother  for  the 
benefit  of  her  health,  but  the  state  of  things  in  Trum- 
bull hardly  warrants  my  going.  I  therefore  wrote  my 
brother  F.,  desiring  him  to  accompany  her  to  this  place 
by  Saturday  evening,  that  I  might  go  with  her  hence. 
P.  M.  Visited  *  from  house  to  house.'  Evening,  spoke  at 
Daniel's-Farms  school-house,  from  Job  15  :  21.  ^A 
dreadful  sound  in  his  ears.^     Solemn. 

"  15.  Wednesday.  Tarried  over  the  night  with  dea- 
con Beach.  A.  M.  Visited  some.  P.  M.  Prepared 
a  subject  for  this  evening.  Visited  and  found  two  cases 
of  hopeful  conversion  —  Miss  B.  and  Emily  B.  The 
former  evinced  much  brokenness  of  heart  and  contrition 
of  spirit.  Evening.  Spoke  at  Chesnut-Hill  school- 
house  to  a  crowd,  from  James  4:7.'  Submit  your- 
selves to  God.'  Truth  seemed  to  find  way  to  the  con- 
sciences of  the  hearers. 

"  Thursday,  P.  M.  Visited  from  house  to  house. 
Evening.  Spoke  at  Nichol's-Farms  school-house  to  a 
crowd,  from  Acts.  *  Sirst  what  shall  1  do  to  be  saved  V 


108  TRIBUTE  TO   THE  MEMORY   OF 

"Friday.  Went  to  Bridgeport,  and  found  brother 
Vail  had  returned.  Still  in  a  feeble  state  of  health* 
Should  have  spoken  this  evening,  but  Dr.  Taylor's  arri- 
val  relieved  me. 

"  Saturday.  Returned  to  Trumbull,  via  Stratford. 
Found  brother  L,  unwell.  *  In  labours  more  abundant ' 
undermine  the  feeble  frame.  Called  on  Messrs.  0. 
and  L. 

"  Sunday.  At  noon  had  a  meeting  of  the  young  con- 
verts at  Mrs.  S.  P's.  They  seemed  much  to  enjoy  it. 
P.  M.  Spoke  from  Psalms  2:11.  *  Rejoice  with  trem- 
bling.^ Did  not  become  interested  until  near  the  appli- 
cation, when  the  effect  was  so  apparent,  /  broke  off! 
Some  now  felt  who  before  were  unfeeling.  I  called 
them  all  to  record  that  day,  if  1  had  shunned  to  declare 
the  truth  to  them  ?  The  appeal  was  seemingly  power- 
ful on  their  consciences,  and  I  was  helped,  from  con- 
scious faithfulness  in  this  subject.  Evening.  Went  as 
usual  to  the  anxious  nieeting.  The  room  was  so  filled 
with  the  young  converts  and  inquirers,  that  I  thought  it 
expedient  that  the  converts  should  move  into  an  adjoin- 
ing room,  to  make  place  for  others  of  the  anxious.  I 
said  before  any  rose,  that  those  who  trusted  that  they 
had  become  religious  during  this  revival  are  requested 
to  move  into  the  adjoining  room.  I  assigned  as  rea- 
sons, that  the  seats  were  greatly  crowded  and  that  the 
atmosphere  of  the  room  was  close.  By  this  movement 
our  comfort  will  be  consulted,  and  room  will  be  made 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  109 

for  the  inquirers.  The  effect,  as  the  young  converts 
rose  from  among  their  anxious  friends,  was  sudden  and 
powerful.  There  was  an  instance  in  which  a  sister 
left  a  sister  behind  —  another,  of  a  brother,  who  left  his 
sister  —  cousins  left  cousins  — and  friends,  associates — 
and  acquaintances,  left  their  friends  and  associates  and 
acquaintances.  The  scene  naturally  led  on  our  thoughts 
to  the  Judgement-Day ;  and  the  occasion  was  improved, 
to  further  the  good  cause.  It  was  the  most  numerous 
meeting  which  we  have  had  —  the  most  solemn  and  af- 
fecting. Probably  fifty  were  left  behind.  One  circum- 
stance tended  greatly  to  affect  those  who  remained  in 
our  room.  In  an  adjacent  chamber  the  members  of 
the  church  then  assembled,  were  singing  at  the  time  a 
hymn,  the  chorus  of  which  was, 

'  I'm  bound  for  the  kingdom, 

Will  you  go  to  glory  with  me  V  etc. 

those  who  were  now  singing  were  parents,  and  sisters, 
and  other  kindred,  of  those  who  were  in  our  room.  I 
asked  them  one  moment  to  listen !  All  was  as  solemn 
as  eternity  ! 

"  The  revival  thus  far  has  been  pleasant.  Though  in 
one  or  two  instances  the  wrath  of  man  has  been  wit- 
nessed—  and  though  by  one  I  was  called  an  imposter, 
yet  '  these  things  do  not  move  me.'  Probably  the  work 
is  in  as  interesting  a  state  as  ever.  But  what  will  be  the 
issue,  time  must  develope." 

Here  occurs  a  break  in  the  Diary  of  Mr.  Taylor. 
10 


110  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

And  we  ourselves  may  appropriately  pause,  and  carry 
back  our  contemplation,  and  mark  the  results  of  his 
efforts  in  Trumbull.  We  see  him,  in  his  last  note,  in  a 
crowded  house  —  Christians,  who  are  members  of  the 
church,  singing  their  hymns  of  praise  —  and  those  who . 
have,  in  considerable  numbers,  become  religious,  while 
he  has  been  with  them,  moving  from  among  the  seats  of 
a  crowd  of  anxious  souls  to  another  room.  And  in 
the  sublimity  of  a  scene  where  anxious  spirits  are  wait- 
ing in  solemn  communion  with  their  souls,  and  upon 
their  responsibilities  for  eternity,  he  asks  them,  amid 
impressive  silence,  to  listen  to  the  sympathetic  strain  of 
Christian  kindred  in  the  adjacent  chamber,  as  they  sing 
in  a  melting  appeal, 

"We're  bound  for  the  kingdom, 
Will  you  go  to  glory  with  us  ?" 

Fifty  anxious  spirits  are  held  in  a  solemn  silence,  in- 
tercepted alone  by  the  waking  sigh  and  other  evidences 
of  hearts  which  are  now  throwing  with  the  exciting 
thoughts  of  a  possible  separation  from  their  Christian 
friends,  when  those  friends  shall  be  reckoned  with  the 
ransomed  at  the  judgement-seat  of  Christ. 

Mr.  Taylor  in  a  previous  extract,  speaks  of  his  effort 
put  forth  in  Trumbull,  as  an  "  experiment.'*  He  spake 
thus  in  relation  to  his  own  labours,  as  it  was  the  first  in- 
stance where  he  had  entered  a  place  alone,  to  com- 
mence and  to  carry  on  a  series  of  Christian  efforts, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  lU 

which  he  believed,  with  the  blessing  of  God,  would  re- 
sult in  the  exciting  of  the  religious  sensibilities  of  the 
people,  and  eventuate  in  the  conversion  of  their  souls. 
He  had  been  in  revivals  before.  He  had  enjoyed  the 
pleasure  which  his  ardent  spirit  experienced  amid  scenes 
of  religious  excitement.  But  he  had  laboured  with 
others,  with  their  counsel,  and  under  their  direction, 
and  always  possessed  their  confidence  and  affection. 
It  was  by  the  pressing  invitation  of  clerical  friends,  who 
knew  of  his  happy  manner,  and  lovely  piety,  and  suc- 
cessful influence  in  urging  others  to  give  their  affections 
to  their  God,  that  he  had  now  left  his  studies  for  a  short 
time,  and  visited  Bridgeport.  Here  he  assisted  his 
friends  for  awhile.  Trumbull  was  five  miles  north  from 
Bridgeport.  The  minister  from  that  place  met  Mr.  T. 
and  solicited  his  efforts  in  behalf  of  his  people.  Burn- 
ing with  a  desire  to  win  souls  to  Christ,  he  consents  to 
speak  to  the  people  in  Trumbull,  and  if  he  finds  that  his 
messages  of  pursuasion  and  entreaty  are  listened  to,  he 
will  continue  his  efforts.  With  these  feelings  he  ac- 
companies his  friend,  the  minister  of  the  place.  His  ex- 
hortations arouse  the  attention  of  the  people.  They 
are  thrilled  under  his  discourses.  He  goes  to  their 
houses,  and  with  an  urbanity  that  won  for  him  the  re- 
spect and  attachment  of  those  on  whom  he  calls,  he 
urges  them  to  make  religion  the  thing  of  their  immediate 
and  chief  concern.  They  feel  his  sincerity,  and  promise 
before  their  God  to  seek  the  welfare  of  their  souls. 


t 


112  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

We  have  followed  him  in  extracts  from  his  Diary 
through  these  efforts.  We  have  seen  him  in  the  pulpit 
—  the  school-house  —  and  the  private  dwelling,  dehver- 
ing  his  impassioned  and  affectionate  addresses.  We 
have  followed  him  in  his  visits  from  house  to  house. 
And  we  gather  from  the  texts  of  Scripture,  which  he 
has  recorded  as  the  themes  of  his  discourses,  and  from 
the  notes  of  his  social  interviews,  what  was  the  kind  of 
effort  which  he  put  forth.  That  it  was  the  effort  which 
was  called  for  in  the  circumstances  in  which  he  was 
placed,  we  may  judge  to  be  certain,  from  the  results 
which  attended  them.  How  many  were  hopefully  con- 
verted during  his  stay  among  the  people  of  Trumbull, 
is  not  a  matter  of  specific  record.  The  number,  how- 
ever, was  great  for  the  amount  of  the  inhabitants,  and 
but  few  instances  can  be  found  where  greater  effect  has 
been  produced  by  the  efforts  of  a  young  man  in  the 
space  of  time,  in  which  Mr.  Taylor,  as  yet  a  theologi- 
cal student,  accomplished  among  this  people,  where  he 
has  left  many  a  heart  that  cannot  forget,  and  will  be 
happy  to  acknowledge  him  as  their  spiritual  father, 
through  the  ages  of  a  happy  eternity. 

As  evidence  of  the  fitness  of  these  efforts  in  producing 
the  desired  result,  under  the  influences  of  the  Spirit,  and 
as  further  illustration  of  Mr.  Taylor's  manner  in  his 
approaches  to  strangers,  and  his  conversation  with  them, 
we  may  here  copy  a  paper,  which  lays  open  to  us  with 
great  simplicity  of  language  and  feeling,  the  effect  of  his 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  113 

religious  intercourse  upon  the  minds  of  some  in  Trum- 
bull, with  whom  he  associated  in  his  rounds  and  labours 
while  among  them.  The  paper  appears  to  be  a  trans- 
cript from  a  daily  journal  of  another,  whose  feelings  it 
records : 

"  April  19,  1827.  As  the  Lord  is  pouring  out  his 
Holy  Spirit  in  H.,  and  being  in  the  outer  part  of  that  town, 
I  did  not  think  it  particularly  concerned  me.  But  soon 
it  spread  into  Trumbull.  The  clergyman  of  that  town 
came  into  the  street  where  I  reside,  and  brought  with 
him  a  young  minister,  Mr.  T.  He  impressed  it  very 
much  on  my  sister  lo  take  up  the  subject  of  religion, 
and  to  seek  an  interest  in  Christ.  Mr.  T.  asked  her  if 
she  was  not  ready.  But  she  manifested  that  she  was 
not.  *  Your  mother,'  said  he,  *is  willing  —  your  sisters 
are  willing  —  Christ  is  willing  —  I  am  willing :'  and  then 
casting  his  eyes  up  to  Heaven,  he  said,  *  0  Lord,  make 
her  willing!'  if  you  are  not  ready,  remember  when  you 
meet  me  at  the  bar  of  God,  there  happened  a  stranger 
along,  and  invited  you  to  go  to  Christ,  but  you  were  not 
ready. 

"  As  I  was  in  the  room,  and  he  passed  me  in  silence, 
the  thought  rose  in  my  mind,  why  should  he  not  speak 
to  me  —  is  not  my  soul  as  precious  as  hers  1   The  same 

evening  Mr.  T.  held  a  meeting  at ,  and  took  his 

text  from  Matthew,  19,  20:  *  What  lack  I  yet?'     He 

addressed  himself  to  those  who  were  not  ready,  and 

prayed  to  the  Lord  that  he  would  make  them  ready. 

10* 


114 


TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 


After  the  meeting  was  closed,  he  came  to  me  and  said, 
*  You  lack  a  great  many  things  —  you  lack  a  new  heart.' 
But  I  came  home,  careless  and  unconcerned  as  ever. 

In  the  morning  after,  I  was  requested  to  go  down  to , 

with  my  mates.  I  went  down  very  reluctantly  —  I 
found  some  of  my  companions  rejoicing  in  the  Lord, 
and  others  very  much  impressed  with  a  sense  of  their 
sins.  Mr.  T.  said  that  God  would  pass  by  some  of 
us  —  we  ought  each  to  inquire  who  it  is  —  Is  it  I  ?  Is  it 
I  ?  I  came  home  that  P.  M.  and  felt  myself  a  sinner. 
I  went  to  the  Throne  of  Grace  for  relief.  But  my  dis- 
tress still  increased. 

"22d.  Sabbath-day.  I  went  to  meeting  with  a  very 
heavy  heart  and  down  cast  eye,  unable  to  rise  in  prayer- 
time.    Mr. preached  from  John  3,  9  :  '  Nicodemus 

answered  and  said  unto  him.  How  can  these  things  be  V 
The  preacher  said  that,  unless  a  man  be  born  again  he 
cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.  He  stated  how  Chris- 
tians felt.  They  could  not  express  their  happiness  to 
an  unawakened  sinner.  Their  joy  was  unspeakable  and 
full  of  glory :  I  thought  that  I  had  never  felt  such  joy. 
As  I  was  coming  home,  my  sister  said  to  me,  *  I  have 
heard  good  news  —  your  mate ,'  they  say  '  has  be- 
come religious,  and  is  rejoicing  in  the  Lord.'  O,  what 
feelings  swelled  my  bosom !  I  felt  as  though  I  should 
be  the  one  that  God  would  pass  by  ! 

*'  25th.  My  burden  of  sin  increases.  In  the  afternoon 
Mr.  T.  called  on  me  again,  and  invited  me  to  go  to 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  115 

Christ.  He  said  that  there  were  a  number  who  had 
given  their  hearts  to  Christ,  and  they  wanted  me  to 
go  with  them.  0,  what  feeUngs  pressed  upon  me !  My 
sins  redoubled.  None  can  tell  but  the  Lord  who  made 
me  —  he  was  my  stay.  After  a  few  moments,  Mr.  T. 
urged  me  to  go  to  my  room  and  not  to  come  down  again 
till  I  gave  my  heart  to  Christ.  I  went  up  with  a  heavy 
load  of  sin,  and  there  wrestled  for  two  hours  or  more, 
but  found  no  relief.  I  came  down  and  thought  there 
was  no  mercy  for  me.  I  got  but  little  rest  that  night, 
but  spent  the  hours  in  entreating  hard  for  mercy. 

"  26.  This  morning  I  awoke,  asking  for  mercy.  To- 
day I  have  kept  my  chamber  —  seldom  go  down  to  eat 
or  drink,  for  I  am  full  of  sin.  I  have  sinned  against 
the  great  and  Holy  God.  I  am  such  a  great  sinner  I 
can  hardly  offer  up  a  prayer  to  God  in  Heaven.  The 
Bible  condemns  me  wherever  I  look.  It  says,  unless 
you  repent  you  shall  sink  down  to  everlasting  burnings 
prepared  for  the  devil  and  his  angels. 

"  29th.  To-day  is  the  Lord's  day.  I  feel  not  so 
much  alarmed,  although  I  am  a  great  sinner.  The 
burden  of  sin  lies  here,  heavy  on  my  mind.  0  !  if  I 
could  but  have  an  interest  in  Christ.  There  is  nothing 
I  wish  for  but  him.  I  went  to  meeting  in  the  P.  M. 
The  text  in  Mark  9  :  22, 23  :  *  But  if  thou  canst  do  any 
thing,  have  compassion  on  us  and  help  us.  Jesus  said 
unto  him,  If  thou  canst  believe  —  all  things  are  possible 
to  him  that  belie veth.'     I  came  home  thinking  that  I 


116  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

would  call  on  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  I  should  find 
mercy,  but  found  no  relief. 

"May  1st.  This  day  will  long  be  remembered  by 
me.  I  feel  as  though  I  should  sink  down  to  the  bot- 
tomless pit  —  Hell  is  before  my  eyes  —  0,  that  dreadful 
place  of  torment !  Never  did  I  experience  such  a  dark 
day.  Hell  stands  wide  open  ready  to  receive  me.  0,  what 
horror  and  distress  I  have  felt,  with  bitter  groanings  and 
cries  for  mercy !  Unable  to  sit  up,  I  go  to  bed,  but 
cannot  lie.    Pen  nor  tongue  can  describe  my  feelings. 

*  Prostrate  I  lie  before  his  throne 

And  there  confess  my  guilt, 
I  tell  him  I'm  a  wretch  undone 

Without  his  sovereign  grace.' 

During  the  night,  being  very  weary,  I  got  but  little 
sleep.  Awoke  many  times  crying, '  Lord  save  me  or  I 
perish.' 

"  2d.  My  fears  still  increase.  I  hate  sin  with  perfect 
hatred.  The  Bible  still  condemns  me,  and  says,  *  Ex- 
cept ye  repent  ye  shall  all  likewise  perish.'  Mr.  T. 
called  on  me  in  the  afternoon  —  as  he  is  going  to  have 
a  meeting  in  this  street  this  evening,  he  asked  me  if  I 
had  given  my  heart  to  Christ.  If  the  Bible  appeared 
any  differently  to  me.  I  told  him  I  thought  not.  I 
asked  him  to  pray  with  me.  He,  at  first,  hesitated, 
then  consented  to  make  a  short  prayer.  He  asked  me 
if  I  was  going  down  to  the  meeting.     I  told  him  I  was. 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  117 

He  told  me  to  give  my  heart  to  Christ  before  I  went. 
I  went  down  to  the  meeting,  my  feeble  frame  unable  to 
bear  me  up.  My  wicked  heart  more  agitated  than  ever. 
Mr.  T.  commenced  the  meeting  by  a  hymn.  He  read 
thus  :  — 

'Behold  a  stranger  at  the  door, 

He  gently  knocks  —  has  knocked  before  — 

Has  waited  long,  is  waiting  still, 

You  treat  no  other  friend  so  ill ! ' 

O,  if  he  had  taken  a  dagger  and  pierced  it  through  my 
heart,  I  could  not  have  felt  worse.  O,  my  heart  was  too 
full  to  be  expressed !  Tears  flowed  from  my  eyes  hke 
rivers  of  water.  I  felt  as  though  I  had  treated  that 
Friend  so  ill,  that  there  was  no  mercy  for  me.  Mr.  T. 
took  his  text,  Rev.  3,  20  :  » Behold  I  stand  at  the  door 
and  knock.'  He  said  that  Christ  was  knocking  at 
every  sinner's  heart  present.  I  sincerely  felt  as  though 
I  was  one.  He  said  the  awakened  sinner  who  would 
turn  back  to  the  world,  would,  hereafter,  go  to  the  door 
of  mercy  when  too  late,  and  say,  '  Lord,  Lord,  open 
unto  us.  And  then  will  the  Lord  profess  unto  them,  I 
never  knew  you,  depart  from  me  ye  that  work  iniquity.' 
He  said,  any  sinner  who  would  go  home  and  go  to  bed 
without  prayer,  if  he  should  awake  in  the  night,  let  him 
think  how  he  would  cry,  *  Lord,  Lord,  open  unto  us.' 
0,  I  felt  as  though  I  should  sink  down  into  the  dust. 
Mr.  T.  came  to  me  after  the  meeting,  and  said,  go  home 


118  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

and  give  away  your  heart  before  you  retire.  I  came 
home.  0, 1  felt  to  say,  wculd,  would  I  had  died  in  my 
cradle,  or  had  given  up  the  ghost,  and  no  eye  had  seen 
me !  For,  the  arrows  of  the  Lord,  are  within  me  —  the 
poison  whereof  drinketh  up  my  spirit.  I  sat  up  some 
time  alone  in  my  chamber.  None  can  tell  what  feelings 
I  had.  After  a  while  I  composed  myself  to  he  down. 
I  am  weary  with  my  groaning.  All  the  night  make  I 
ray  bed  to  swim.  I  water  my  couch  with  tears.  I  felt 
as  though  I  should  be  one  who  would  cry, '  Lord,  Lord, 
open  unto  me ! ' 

*'  3d.  I  am  no  better,  but  rather  grow  worse.  0 
what  terrors  of  hell  I  do  feel !  I  cannot  continue  thus 
long.  I  am  almost  exhausted,  and  where  shall  I  go  t — 
down  to  hell !  0, 1  feel  it  now  :  and  what,  will  it  be  to 
all  eternity  ?  Christ  is  willing  to  rescue  me.  0,  I  praj 
that  he  would  make  me  willing.  I  feel  as  though  it  is 
all  my  own  fault  I  do  not  repent  and  turn  to  God,  and 
give  myself  wholly  away  to  him.  I  hope  I  shall  never 
have  another  minute's  peace  as  long  as  time  continues 
to  me,  unless  I  submit.  0, 1  feel  as  though  I  am  a  poor, 
unworthy,  hell- deserving  sinner.  Hell  is  too  good  for 
me.     I  cried  - — 

'  O  that  my  load  of  sin  were  gone.' 

"  Mr.  T.  came  to  see  me  about  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  I  could  hardly  get  up  out  of  my  chair  to 
welcome  him.     He  stayed  but  a  few  moments.     He 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  119 

said  '  They  say  you  are  going  to  the  meeting,  this  even- 
ing. Now  give  your  heart  away  to  Christ  before  you 
go.  You  may  die,  even  before  the  meeting.'  0,  how 
it  struck  me !  I  felt  as  if  I  should  sink  down  to  the 
bottomless  pit.  The  blackness  of  hell  appeared  before 
me.  He  bade  me  good  morning,  and  left  me,  poor,  un- 
worthy, hell-deserving  sinner,  to  settle  it  between  God 
and  myself.  I  knelt  down  and  prayed  without  much 
cessation,  till  about  half-past  ten.  In  that  same  posi- 
tion my  soul  was  filled  with  joy  and  peace  of  mind, 
which  I  cannot  express.  That  horror  and  dismay 
whiwh  possessed  me,  turned  into  a  pleasant  smile. 
Christ  appeared  to  me  in  every  thing.  In  the  after- 
noon, I  went  to  meeting.     Was  very  much  delighted. 

Had  some  conversation  with ,  which  increased  my 

joy.  I  stayed  in  the  evening  to  a  meeting.  Came 
home  about  eleven.  I  felt  so  happy  I  could  not  sleep. 
It  was  peace,  happiness,  and  joy,  which  I  never  before 
felt. 

"  4th.  The  glory  of  God  shone  forth  in  my  soul  this 
morning.  Every  thing  wore  a  pleasant  smile.  My 
thoughts  were  directed  up  to  heaven.  This  world  was 
nothing  to  me.  I  feel  that  joy  which  is  unspeakable 
and  full  of  glory.  The  character  of  Jesus  appears  in- 
finitely lovely,  and  I  could  say  with  the  Psalmist, 
*  Whom  have  I  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  there  is  none 
on  earth  I  desire  besides  thee.'  The  awful  gulf  I  had 
escaped,  filled  me  with  astonishment.     0  !  if  I  could 


120 


TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 


take  my  young  companions  by  the  hand  and  lead  them 
to  Christ,  I  would.     But  it  is  all  in  vain. 

"  5th.  I  still  go  on  rejoicing  in  the  Lord.  I  feel  per- 
fectly resigned  to  death,  if  it  should  come  —  to  go  and 
to  be  with  Christ.  This  afternoon,  Mr.  T.  called  on 
me.  With  what  joy  I  met  him.  With  what  delight  I 
converse  with  him.  I  feel  that  he  was  the  instrument 
in  the  hand  of  God  in  warning  me  of  my  danger,  and 
leading  me  to  Christ.  But  I  give  God  all  the  glory.  I 
feel  that  I  have  met  with  a  very  great  change  since  I 
saw  him.  And  now  I  can  rejoice  still  more.  My 
sister  feels  as  if  she  had  made  her  peace  with  God. 
What  joy  I  feel  on  her  account.  I  think  I  can  rejoice 
with  the  angels  in  heaven  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth. 
Now  she  feels  that  she  can  rejoice  with  me.  O  !  what 
sweet  comfort  and  delight  we  take  together,  which  we 
never  knew  before. 

"  6th.  This  day  is  the  Sabbath.  I  go  to  meeting. 
Oh,  how  much  of  God  I  have  enjoyed.  Such  views  of 
his  holy  character,  and  such  desires  of  glorifying  his 
holy  name,  I  never  knew  before.  While  sihging  praises 
to  God,  it  appeared  to  me  beautiful !  The  sermon  was 
from  2d  Cor.  6 :  17.  '  Therefore  if  any  man  be  in  Christ, 
he  is  a  new  creature :  old  things  are  passed  away ; 
behold,  all  things  are  become  new.'  I  thought  I  never  had 
heard  preaching  Ijefore.  I  felt,  indeed,  as  though  old 
things  to  me  had  passed  away,  and  behold  all  things  had 
become  new  in  Christ  Jesus.     I  stayed  to  a  meeting 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  121 

held  in  the  evening,  and  a  very  solemn  one  it  was.  I 
came  home.  Never  before  did  I  experience  such  a 
happy  day  and  night.  I  now  hate  the  things  I  once 
loved,  and  love  the  things  I  once  hated." 

There  is  in  the  moral  world,  as  much  a  tendency  in 
means  rightly  adapted  to  produce  desired  effect,  as 
there  is  a  certain  connexion  in  the  physical  world  be- 
tween a  given  cause  and  its  effect.  The  power  of  the 
Christian  minister  consists  in  directing  these  means,  in 
given  circumstances,  so  as  to  secure,  under  the  infiuence 
of  the  Spirit^  their  legitimate  tendencies  on  the  mind  of 
a  community,  or  of  an  individual.  Successfully  to 
adapt  these  means  to  secure  the  designed  effect  in  re- 
ligion, requires  various  qualifications  of  intellect  and 
heart.  And  to  the  minister  of  God  who  has  to  do  with 
the  souls  of  men,  a  knowledge  of  the  intellectual  and 
moral  powers  of  that  being  whom  he  is  to  influence,  is 
indispensable  to  his  success.  However,  it  may  be  ac- 
quired —  whether  from  books  or  from  his  own  observa- 
tion, or  from  both  —  the  minister  must  possess  this 
knowledge,  or  else  he  will  be,  in  religion,  what  a  quack 
is  in  medicine.  Few  ever  read  human  nature  more 
minutely  than  did  James  Taylor.  Few  understood  the 
operations  of  his  own  mind  and  heart  better.  He 
knew  what  moved  himself,  and,  by  consequence,  he 
concluded  with  much  accuracy  what  would  move  others. 
And  here  lay  the  secret  of  his  success  in  the  efforts  in 
which  we  have  last  contemplated  him.     He  possessed 

11 


122  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 

Other  advantages,  it  is  true,  which  many  have  not,  vi'ho 
may  be  equally  zealous,  and  equally  judicious  in  their 
efforts,  and  who  are  correct  in  their  perceptions  as  to 
fitness  of  times  and  things.  I  allude  to  his  elocution  — 
his  voice  —  his  personal  appearance  —  and  manners  — 
all  at  once  at  his  command  to  conciliate,  to  attach,  to 
alarm,  to  sooth,  and  intelligently  to  guide.  With  these 
advantages  he  went  forth  with  a  heart  full  of  love  to- 
wards the  Saviour  of  sinners,  and  of  desires  for  the  sal- 
vation of  his  fellow-men.  No  one  can  review  the  ac- 
count of  the  labour  he  went  through,  without  wondering 
at  the  mental  ease  with  which  he  accomplished  it,  or 
without  painfully  sympathizing  in  the  fatigues  and  ex- 
haustion of  body  in  his  "labours  more  abundant,"  which 
were  enough  to  prostrate  the  most  robust  of  constitu- 
tions. And  those  efforts  we  have  seen  eventuated  in 
successful  results,  which  made  many  a  pious  kindred 
happy  in  witnessing  the  approach  of  those  held  dear  to 
the  altar  of  their  God,  and  pledging  their  devotion,  with 
evidences  of  their  sincerity  to  the  Saviour  of  sinners. 
His  Christian  friends  saw  in  this  successful  effort,  only 
the  confirmation  of  their  already  high  wrought  expecta- 
tion of  his  future  usefulness  in  the  ministry.  And  they 
felt  assured  that  one  whose  early  course  was  ever  at- 
tended by  such  manifestations  of  the  favour  of  his  Lord 
in  the  salvation  of  souls,  would,  as  he  advanced  to  the 
station  of  one  fully  commissioned  as  a  public  ambassa- 
dor of  Jesus  Christ,  be  characterized  for  his  successful 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  123 

ministrations  far  beyond  the  general  experience  of  his 
contemporaries  in  the  ministry. 

That  the  writer,  in  these  reflections,  mistakes  not  the 
impressions  of  others  by  his  own,  may  be  gathered  from 
a  note  justly  inserted  here,  which  was  received  from  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Kant,  the  pastor  of  the  congregation  in  Trum- 
bull, in  which  Mr.  Taylor  laboured,  as  we  have  seen, 
with  so  much  acceptance  and  success.  It  was  written 
after  the  arrival  of  intelligence  that  the  friend  whom  they 
loved,  and  whom  they  will  have  reason  to  remember 
through  eternity,  was  no  more.  It  was  addressed  to  the 
eldest  brother  of  the  deceased. 

"  Trumbull,  June  22d,  1829. 

"Dear  Sir: 

"  The  obituary  notice  of  your  brother,  contained  in 
the  Richmond  paper,  I  received  shortly  after  his  demise. 
I  was  affected,  as  were  also  many  of  my  parishioners, 
who  shed  tears  at  the  remembrance  of  the  happy  days 
which  they  had  spent  with  him.  But  shall  not  the 
Judge  of  all  the  earth  do  right?  We  know  he  will; 
and  he  leaves  us  not  to  mourn  as  those  who  have  no 
hope,  but  rather,  in  contemplating  such  a  happy  close  of 
an  earthly  career,  our  own  souls  would  wish  to  have 
been  in  his  soul's  place  —  so  delightful  were  his  prospect 
and  anticipation ! 

**  Mr.  Tavlor  laboured  with  us  five  or  six  weeks,  dur- 
ing a  revival  in  Trumbull.     At  that  time  I  was  led  to 


124  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

observe  the  manner  of  his  conversation  with  young  peo- 
ple on  religious  subjects  —  how  winning,  how  affection- 
ate !  He  could  speak  of  the  fearful  looking-for  of 
judgement  and  fiery  indignation  awaiting  the  unconvert- 
ed with  alarming  effect,  without  creating  any  antipathy 
against  himself.  Sinners  were  won  by  his  sweet  voice 
and  Christian  courtesy,  while  they  trembled  for  their 
souls  and  felt  the  necessity  of  repentance.  His  words 
were  all  for  his  Divine  Master.  I  never  knew  him  to 
trifle.  He  allowed  himself,  indeed,  no  relaxation  of 
thought.  Whilst  here,  he  laboured  till  he  was  obliged 
from  debiUty  to  desist,  and  then  his  only  wish  was  to 
recruit,  that  he  might  renew  his  efforts  in  the  service  of 
his  Redeemer.  Could  ministers  be  found  as  unremit- 
ting and  ardent  as  he  was,  few,  where  the  Gospel  is 
preached,  would  be  left  without  convictions  at  least,  if 
they  were  not  hopefully  converted  through  such  instru- 
mentality. But  what  body  could  long  contain  such  a 
glowing  soul  1  Such  fervent,  constant,  indefatigable 
zeal  would  require  more  than  mortal  strength. 

"  From  the  desk  his  piety  shined  with  equal  ardour. 
It  beamed  with  intensity  of  desire  to  win  souls  to  Christ. 
It  kindled  flames  in  the  souls  of  others  —  especially  the 
young,  whose  consciences  he  had  a  happy  manner  of 
reaching.  His  discourses  were  piercing  and  convincing. 
They  aroused  thoughtless  sinners  to  think  —  to  see  sin 
as  exceedingly  hateful  in  the  sight  of  God,  and  inevita- 
bly destructive  to  themselves,  and  many  have  gone  home 
from  hearing  him,  shedding  tears  over 'their  desperate 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  125 

situation,  breathing  forjh  their  deep  emotions  in  a  sup- 
pressed exclamation,  *What  shall  I  do  to  be  saved? 
He  had  also  a  word  of  comfort  for  the  weak  and  waver- 
ing. He  carried  the  still  small  voice  of  the  Gospel  to 
their  ears,  which  dropped  like  a  soothing  spell  upon  the 
believing  soul,  gladdening  and  refreshing  the  heart." 

This  is  the  sympathetic  testimony  of  the  pastor  of  the 
congregation  in  Trumbull,  where  Mr.  Taylor  laboured 
with  results  which  caused  some  hearts  to  break,  and 
some  eyes  to  shed  tears  of  grateful  remembrance  over 
the  intelligence  of  the  departure  of  a  friend,  who  had, 
under  God,  successfully  urged  them  to  Christ.  The 
tribute  of  these  tears  was  appropriate,  as  they  carried 
back  their  thoughts  to  the  hours  which  he  spent  among 
them,  assured  as  they  must  have  been  in  the  review,  that 
he  had  given  them  some  of  the  last  energies  of  his  wan- 
ing strength,  and  which  none  can  doubt  but  facilitated 
the  crisis  which  finally  wrested  from  his  own  bosom  the 
expectation,  long  indulged,  of  entering  the  ministry ;  and 
of  one  day  preaching,  as  the  ambassador  of  Christ,  the 
reconciliation  through  his  name.  May  those  for  whom 
he  indulged  his  choicest  sympathies,  and  for  whom  he 
laboured  in  hours  of  debility,  and  with  tears,  cherish  the 
impressions  which  his  lovely  piety  and  zealous  effort, 
and  Christian  courtesy  left  on  their  minds,  and  meet 
him,  after  an  imitation  of  his  life  of  holiness,  as  he  ex- 
horted them,  where  Christ  has  gone  before  to  prepare 
the  "  many  mansions." 

11* 


SECTION  VII. 


Mr.  Taylor,  after  having  advanced  as  far  in  his  exer- 
tions, at  Trumbull,  as  we  have  followed  him  in  the  ex- 
tracts which  we  have  made  from  his  Diary,  seems  to 
have  been  persuaded  by  his  friends,  who  were  growingly 
solicitous  about  his  health,  to  leave  Trumbull.  His 
next  entry  in  his  Diary  states,  that  he  arrived  at  the  Hilly 
the  residence  of  his  father,  where  he  found  the  health  of 
his  mother  better  than  he  anticipated.  The  day  suc- 
ceeding, he  makes  the  following  entry  :  "  Calculated  to 
set  out  for  New-York  this  morning,  to  journey  with  my 
dear  mother,  but  it  rains." 

Agreeably  to  this  purpose,  he  afterwards  accompanied 
his  mother  to  New-York  —  spent  some  time  there,  and 
again  returned  to  the  Hill.  Fiom  his  father's,  he  again 
went  to  New-Haven,  where  he  makes  the  following 
entry :  "  I  am  again  in  New-Haven  to  prosecute  my 
course  of  studies.  I  am  still  resident  at  Mrs.  J.'s,  our 
inmates  are  three  young  men,  and  six  young  ladies. 
The  young  ladies  are  members  of  Mrs.  J.'s  school  — 
not  one  of  them  a  professor  of  religion.  May  their 
coming  here  be  their  salvation.  Had  nearness  of  access 
to  God  at  the  hour  of  my  evening  devotion.  In  view 
of  past  visitations,  I  was  thankful.  I  was  humble  and 
broken-hearted  in  view  of  my  abuse  of  his  goodness. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  127 

Alas  !  alas !  I  cried  from  my  inmost  soul.  All  that  was 
base  and  ill-deserving  I  could  call  my  own  —  unprofita- 
ble, I  truly  felt.  I  verily  believed  that  I  might  enjoy  yet 
greater  and  mightier  things  than  ever  before.  My  hope 
has  been,  that  I  may  sink  yet  deeper  into  the  love  of 
God  than  ever.  O,  that  the  blessing  of  this  evening 
may  be  but  the  commencement  of  glorious  manifesta- 
tions of  God  to  my  soul !" 

As  we  shall  advance,  we  shall  see  by  further  extracts 
from  his  Diary,  that  this  last  aspiration  of  his  devout 
spirit  had  its  desire.  His  path  was  ever  a  bright  one  — 
so  bright,  that  it  excited  the  admiration  and  surprise  of 
all  who  were  among  his  acquaintances.  How  he  should 
exhibit  so  continually  one  unclouded  countenance  of  re- 
ligious enjoyment,  and  of  excited  but  ever  mild  and 
placid  spirit  of  Christian  vivacity  and  Christian  sensibili- 
ty, was  the  subject  of  general  inquiry,  in  the  way  of  ex- 
pressed interest  in  the  loveliness  and  the  evenness  of  his 
Christian  character.  But,  his  path  ever  so  bright,  was 
yet  one  that  shined  "  brighter  and  brighter"  unto  the 
hour,  when  his  departing  spirit  took  its  bright  way  to 
the  eternal  city,  whose  light  is  the  Lamb  of  God. 

As  allusion  will  not  again  be  made  to  Mr.  Taylor's 
efforts  in  Trumbull,  it  may  here  be  said,  that  he  did  not 
forget,  on  his  return  to  New-Haven,  the  people  who  had 
elicited  so  much  of  his  Christian  sympathy.  As  a 
relaxation  and  a  pleasure,  he  sometimes  mounted  his 
horse,  and  made  his  friends  in  Bridgeport,  and  Trum- 


12S  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

bull,  and  some  surrounding  places,  an  occasional  visit. 
His  next  entry  in  his  Diary  mentions  a  ride  of  this  kind. 

"  Monday,  P.  M.  Rode  to  Trumbull,  and  again  met 
brother  Kant  and  his  people,  who  seemed  glad  to  see  my 
face  again.  Indeed  I  was  glad  to  meet  them.  Spoke 
from  Matth.  1 2  :  22.  Took  interest  in  my  subject.  At 
sunset,  I  met  the  young  converts.  Evening,  professors 
met.  At  the  anxious  meeting,  between  thirty  and  forty 
present.  Things  still  interesting  in  Trumbull."  This 
is  the  last  entry  we  have,  associated  with  his  efforts  in 
Trumbull.  But  some  months  afterwards,  when  his 
health  was  rapidly  declining,  and  his  friends  had  dissuad- 
ed him  from  any  public  effort,  we  find  him  addressing  a 
letter  to  this  place,  urging  one  of  those  who  had  hope- 
fully become  religious  under  his  instrumentality,  to  con- 
sider whether  it  was  not  his  duty  to  enter  upon  studies 
preparatory  to  the  ministry.  Although  then  many  miles 
from  them,  in  a  Southern  clime,  he  yet  thought  of  them 
with  affectionate  remembrance,  and  having  concluded 
the  main  subject  of  his  letter,  requests  that  *  his  love 
should  be  given  to  the  young  gentleman's  father  and 
family  —  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kant  —  to  the  members  of  the 
church  —  especially  to  the  lambs.^ " 

It  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  insert  here  another  letter, 
in  connexion  with  this  last  mention  of  Mr.  Taylor's 
efforts  at  Trumbull,  and  his  occasional  visits  and  labours 
at  Bridgeport.  It  is  a  letter  addressed,  as  was  the  one 
from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kant,  to  Mr.  Taylor's  eldest  brother, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  129 

after  the  death  of  the  subject  of  this  Tribute,  by  the 
Rev.  Mr.  V.  the  pastor  of  the  congregation  at  Bridge- 
port, Connecticut. 

**  While  I  deeply  sympathize  with  you  in  the  loss  of 
one  of  our  dearest  earthly  friends,  yet  I  cannot  suppress 
the  strong  conviction  that  in  no  other  way  could  the  best 
interests  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  be  so  much  pro- 
moted by  our  now  sainted  brother,  as  by  his  early  re- 
moval to  heaven,  and  the  public  presentation  of  his  holy, 
happy,  and  useful  example  to  the  world  —  especially  to 
clergymen  and  to  candidates  for  the  ministry,  for  their 
imitation.  Such  an  exhibition  of  one  of  the  most 
amiable  and  lovely  dispositions,  united  with  superior 
talents,  liberal  acquisitions,  ardent  piety,  and  extensive 
usefulness,  cannot  fail  highly  to  benefit  the  church, 
while  it  shall  greatly  magnify  the  exceeding  riches  of 
divine  grace.  I  doubt  not,  from  what  I  have  known  and 
heard  of  the  character  and  usefulness  of  Mr.  Taylor, 
that  pleasing  evidence  may  be  exhibited,  that  in  his  short 
career  he  has  been  made  the  honoured  instrument  of 
converting  more  souls  to  God,  than  is  the  privilege  of 
most  ministers  during  a  long  life.  It  has  been  my  privi- 
lege in  my  own  family  and  among  my  people,  during  an 
interesting  season  of  revival,  to  see  his  labours  owned 
and  blessed  of  God,  to  witness  his  spirit  fast  ripening  for 
glory." 


SECTION   VIII. 

As  we  have  seen  from  the  last  extract  from  Mr.  Taylor's 
Diary,  he  was  now  again  pursuing  his  course  of  studies 
in  New-Haven,  writing  a  good  deal  ir^  connexion  with 
the  different  subjects  of  theology  brought  under  exami- 
nation, and  attending  the  lectures  delivered  in  connex- 
ion with  the  same  subjects.  Having  formed  the  habit 
of  always  being  engaged,  he  devoted  more  time  to  his 
books,  and  in  the  use  of  his  pen,  in  connexion  with  his 
studies  of  divinity,  than  his  friends  desired  ;  as  his  resi- 
dence in  New-Haven  at  this  time,  was  intended  only  to 
afford  him  an  opportunity  of  attending  to  his  studies  as 
a  matter  of  recreation,  and  as  a  means  of  spending  his 
time  in  agreeable  leisure,  rather  than  as  affording  him  an 
opportunity  of  entering  upon  a  regular  course  of  theo- 
logical studies.  His  friends  had  even  dissuaded  him 
from  giving  his  attention  to  any  studies  at  all  for  a  time, 
but  his  plea  was  that  his  hours  would  pass  more  plea- 
santly by  the  course  he  proposed  to  himself,  of  a  resi- 
dence at  a  theological  school,  and  attending  lectures, 
and  occasional  reading,  as  his  state  of  health  should  per- 
mit. He  was  anxious  to  lose  no  time  in  his  prepara- 
tion, and  determined  in  his  own  mind,  contrary  to  the 
wishes  of  his  friends,  to  advance  with  his  class  in  their 
reo-ular  theological  course.     And  it  is  matter  of  surprise 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  131 

that  in  the  state  of  health,  ih  which  he  arrived  at  New- 
Haven,  and  in  which  he  continued  while  there,  that  he 
should  have  left  so  many  manuscripts  written  during  this 
period.  Always  buoyant  with  the  expectation  of  soon 
appearing  in  the  pulpit  with  reinstated  health,  he  devoted 
himself  unremittingly  to  the  studies  of  his  profession, 
and  in  making  those  notes,  and  in  the  examination  of 
those  subjects  which  he  believed  would  contribute  so 
essentially  to  his  future  success  in  the  ministry. 

But  with  this  much  devotion  of  his  hours  and  feeble 
strength  to  his  studies,  he  yet  felt  himself  able  to  ac- 
complish more  in  the  way  of  direct  effort  in  behalf  of 
those  surrounding  him  than  he  had  done,  although  he 
was  engaging  himself  already  in  his  application  to  his 
theological  studies  beyond  the  solicitous  cautions  of  his 
friends.  We  consequently  find  him,  soon  after  his 
reaching  New-Haven,  in  June,  revolving  in  his  mind, 
what  was  his  duty  in  relation  to  some  propositions  which 
were  made  to  him,  with  desires  that  he  would  become 
engaged  in  several  fields  of  religious  effort  in  the  town. 
He  thus  writes  in  his  journal :  ~ 

"  This  P.  M.  had  unexpectedly  a  request  to  take 
charge  of  a  Bible-Class  in  New-Haven.  What  is 
duty  ? 

*'  Had  a  calmly  melting  season  at  evening  devotions. 
My  soul  was  much  refreshed.  The  spirit  of  the  Son 
was  so  sent  into  my  heart,  that  I  know  not  that  I  ever 
experienced  the  same  before.     I  felt  an  unspeakable 


132  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY   OF 

nearness  to  God,  as  my  Father  —  it  was  a  child-like 
feeling.  0,  it  was  precious  —  it  was  endearing  !  I  was 
comforted  of  God.  I  took  a  walk  in  the  grave-yard. 
Death  would  be  a  welcome  messenger  to  me,  and  I  felt 
a  desire  to  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ.  Rather  than 
not  subserve  the  cause  of  Christ,  I  would  choose  to 
leave  the  earth.  Attended  a  meeting  with  brother  W. 
A  room  full  of  young  ladies,  mostly  of  the  world. 

"  Thursday.  In  company  with  brother  V.  S.  and 
H.  went  to  Stratford  to  attend  the  General  Associa- 
tion of  Connecticut.  P.  M.  Heard  a  sermon  from 
Rev.  M.  S.  Good.  Evening,  Mr.  G.  of  Boston, 
preached.     The  effect  was  salutary  to  my  own  soul,  and 

to  others.     After  meeting,  went  with  brother ,  and 

enjoyed  a  meltingly  sweet,  and  powerful  season  of 
prayer.  Our  hearts  were  broken,  and  our  spirits 
contrite.  My  love  for  dear  brother  L.  increased  many 
fold  to-day. 

"  Returned  to  brother  J.  Otis',  my  host.  Retired,  and 
enjoyed  a  season  of  wrestling  for  one  with  whom  I  had 
just  been  conversing,  with  a  persuasion  to  repent  and 
to  turn  to  God.  My  soul  was  happy,  humble,  child-like. 
I  fell  on  my  knees.  I  sunk  prostrate  on  the  floor,  and 
wept  and  prayed  —  and  wept  and  prayed,  and  was  exult- 
ingly  happy.  My  soul  was  overflowing  with  benevo- 
lence. The  spirit  of  adoption  swelled  my  bosom.  It 
was  a  holy  anointing  from  above.  I  retired  and  slept,  no 
way  solicitous  whether  I  awaked  in  this  or  another  world. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYOR.  133 

*'  Wednesday,  at  5  A.  M.,  attended  prayer-meeting. 
10  A.  M.,  listened  to  a  missionary  discourse.  Was 
edified  and  blessed.  P.  M.  The  narrative  of  the  state 
of  rehgion  in  the  churches  was  given.  After  which, 
the  communion  was  administered.  My  soul  was  filled 
with  fullness.  It  overflowed.  I  was  stayed  on  God. 
Love  reigned.     After  tea,  I  enjoyed  a  sweet  interview 

with  brother .     I  was  greatly  drawn  out  for  his 

soul's  best  interests.  When  with  him,  I  wept  much 
over  him.  I  love  him.  0  !  may  he  be  full  of  faith  and 
the  Holy  Ghost.  In  the  evening  I  heard  Rev.  Mr. 
Hewett  on  the  promotion  of  temperance. 

"  Resolved,  To  live  in  the  disuse  of  ardent  spirits 
and  wine,  except  for  medical  purposes,  and  the  com- 
munion. 

"  Retired  under  the  smiles  of  God. 

"  Thursday.  Shame  on  me.  During  the  day  felt 
the  loss  sustained  by  grieving  the  Spirit  of  God.  Bro- 
ther   ,  wished  me  to  go  again  and  pray  with  him. 

I  excused  myself.  My  heart,  too,  was  wicked  enough 
to  draw  back  from  God  in  secret.  At  6  P.  M.  retired 
and  fell  before  God,  and  again  the  Dove  returned.  I 
was  again  refreshed,  and  again  I  am  happy.  Praise 
the  Lord. 

"  Friday.     Returned  to  New-Haven  last  night.  The 

stream  of  good  things  has  flowed  all  the  way  before 

me,  and  not  a  little  into  my  heart.     I  have  wept  much 

for  joy,  and  the  melting  presence  of  God,  since  I  have 

12 


134  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

been  gone.  The  frequent  visits  of  the  Comforter  have 
drowned  my  eyes  in  tears.  I  almost  wonder  that  my 
eyes  serve  me.  My  spiritual  strength  has  been  increas- 
ed. The  enemy  has  had  home-thrusts.  Will  God  keep 
me  unspotted. 

"  Monday.  To  the  honour  of  free  grace  be  it  ac- 
knowledged, 0  my  sou],  that  thou  art  delivered  from  the 
chains  with  which  thou  hadst  bound  thyself  the  last 
night  by  sin.  This  day  has  brought  nought  but  self- 
condemnation.  At  the  hour  of  evening  prayer  I  closed 
my  shutters,  and  excluded  the  light  —  for  I  felt  that 
darkness  became  me.  I  attempted  to  arraign  myself. 
I  pleaded  guilty,  and  acknowledged  it.  I  verily  felt 
unfit  for  any  thing  except  to  be  annihilated.  I  felt  unfit 
even  for  hell.*  No  relief.  I  fell  upon  my  bed,  self- 
condemned,  and  reproaching  myself  for  doing  as  I  had 
done  ;  for,  I  was  conscious  that  I  possessed  the  power 
to  act  otherwise.  I  felt  glad  that  God  was  happy. 
How  much  more  happy,  (was  a  succeeding  thought,) 
perhaps  he  might  have  been,  if  I  had  not  been  disobe- 
dient. But  again,  I  thought,  though  /had  sinned,  this 
was  God's  happiness,  that  He  had  done  all  that  he  con- 
sistently could  to  restrain  me,  and  to  make  me  happy, 


*  "  As  the  brightest  crystal  soonest  betrays  the  breath  that 
dims  it,  so  the  most  exalted  natures  are  most  easily  offended  in 
themselves  at  the  slightest  speck  that  mars  the  perfection  which 
they  are  constantly  aiming  to  attain." 


135 


but  that  I  had  got  out  of  the  way,  and  this  from  my  oion 
free  choice.  Thus  I  was  the  sinner,  and  I  felt  it.  My 
heart  broke  in  view  of  my  grieving  God.  My  soul 
melted  into  tenderness.  1  wept.  I  felt  returning  love 
to  God  —  to  Jesus  especially,  and  with  uplifted  arms  I 
said,  '  0  take  me,  dear  Jesus,  to  thyself.'  I  desired  to 
depart  and  be  with  Christ,  rather  than  to  stay  here  and 
wound  my  God.  And  yet  I  said,  I  feel  for  Zion  still  — 
still  I  desire  to  be  a  co-worker  with  God  in  sending 
souls  to  heaven.  Lord,  do  with  me  for  thy  glory.  My 
soul  could  praise  my  God. 

"July  6.  Had  a  swent,  melting,  exulting  season  at 
the  hour  of  evening  prayer.  My  soul  leaned  on  Jesus, 
and  breathed  forth  its  tender  ejaculations,  '  O  Jesus  — 
Jesus  —  sweet,  loving  Jesus.'  I  longed  ever  more  to 
sit  at  his  feet. 

"  In  view  of  our  evening  meeting,  I  committed  all 
into  his  hands,  where  I  left  myself,  and  felt  that,  let 
God  do  with  me  as  he  would,  even  if  he  sent  me  to 
hell,  I  would  not  get  out  of  his  hands.  It  was  so  good 
to  be  at  his  disposal.  Had  a  solemn  meeting.  Brother 
T.  attended  with  me.  About  thirty  young  ladies 
present. 

"  Heard  the  other  day  that  my  dear  friend  L.  P.  had 
entertained  a  hope,  and  now  is  a  professed  follower  of 
Christ.  For  him,  as  for  no  one  else  have  I  prayed. 
Many  an  agonizing  struggle  have  I  had  before  my  God 


136  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

on  his  account  —  some  of  which  have  been  recorded. 
Wrote  him  a  letter. 

"  July  8.  Sunday.  Yesterday  received  intelligence 
from  my  brother  K.  of  the  dangerous  illness  of  my  dear 
sister  M.  To-day  a  letter  from  my  sister  E.  conveys 
similar  intelligence.  Probably  ere  this  she  is  a  disem- 
bodied spirit.  Well  —  my  soul  says,  well.  For,  in 
view  of  this  providence,  I  have  been  sweetly  refreshed 
by  the  assurance,  that  God  omnipotent,  and  a  God  who 
is  infinitely  wise  and  benevolent,  reigns.  This  to  me 
is  enough.  I  melted  at  the  thought  into  tenderness  of 
love,  and  with  the  sweetest  confidence  placed  my  all  on 
God.  I  could  commend  my  sister  to  God  — her  com- 
panion and  little  one.  So,  too,  of  my  parents  and  bro- 
thers and  other  sisters.  I  do  not  feel  afflicted,  but  I  re- 
joice that  God  reigns  without  a  rival.  I  would  not  for  a 
universe  take  either  myself  or  my  friends  out  of  the  hands 
of  God.  To  die  in  Christ  I  believe  to  be  great  gain. 
For  myself,  I  have  longed  to  die.  Even  to  night,  I 
wished  to  die,  that  I  might  see  Jesus,  whom,  having 
not  seen,  I  love.  I  desired  to  be  introduced  to  angels  — 
seraphim  and  cherubim  —  principalities  and  powers  — 
orders  of  beings  of  whom  we  know  but  little  ;  and  then 
to  see  all  the  saints.  I  was  willing  to  let  my  body  go 
into  the  grave.  And  the  thought  of  a  Heaven  of 
HOLINESS,  is  my  solace.  The  thought  of  Jesus,  as  *  the 
resurrection  and  the  life,'  went  to  my  inmost  powers 
and  sweetly  and  meltingly  comforted  me.     I  believed 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  137 

in  him  as  my  risen  Saviour,  and  that  I  should  also  rise, 
having  a  glorious  body  like  his  own.  Amen,  and 
amen. 

"  July  13.  This  has  been  a  day  of  fasting.  To  me, 
at  the  evening  offering,  it  was  a  season  oi^ feasting  :  for, 
my  soul  fed  on  bread  from  heaven.  My  soul  reposed 
itself,  and  wished  to  lie  at  Jesus'  feet.  I  felt  unusual 
unworthiness  before  God.  Yet  I  could  tell  Jesus  that 
my  soul  hung  upon  him.  My  soul  seemed  to  clasp  him 
in  the  arms  of  love.  I  asked  for  a  broken  heart,  and  a 
broken  heart  was  given  to  me.  I  asked  for  a  contrite 
spirit,  it  was  directly  given  me.  0  how  my  soul  longed 
to  drink  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  A  flame  was  kindled.  My 
great  desire  was  to  be  like  Christ.  In  view  of  speaking 
to  my  fellow-men,  I  longed  for  a  heart  like  Christ's,  to 
weep  over  them,  and  to  have  my  bowels  melt  with  love. 
I  think  I  could  appeal  to  God,  and  say,  what  is  there 
that  would  induce  me  to  labour  for  souls  but  the  pros- 
pect of  gloryfying  thy  great  name.  I  felt  a  jealousy  for 
the  name  of  God,  and  wished  honour  to  come  to  it.  I 
felt,  too,  much  like  a  little  child  before  my  heavenly 
Father.  Abstinence  to-day  has  wrought  good  to  the 
inner  man.  Had  some  touches  of  his  love  in  a  grove 
of  woods,  whither  I  resorted  early  this  afternoon. 

"  My  sister  M.  is  better,  from  last  intelligence."  [This 
sister,  although  her  case  was  considered  hopeless  by  her 
physicians  and  her  friends,  finally  recovered.] 

"July  18.   Had  good  news  from  afar.     Brother  T,, 
12* 


138  TRIBUTE    TO   THE   MEMORY  OF 

who  came  from  Princeton,  has  seen  some  of  my  friends 
there,    and  in  the  neighbourhood.      The   Uttle   band 

which  I  so  often  met  at  Mrs. ,  are  on  their  advance 

heaven-ward.  It  seems  that  Miss  Sarah  W.*  died  in 
triumph,  singing, '  0  may  I  worthy  prove,'  &c.  My  dear 
friend  Mrs.  L.  too,  has  gone.  The  associations  con- 
nected with  days  past,  and  the  review  which  brother  T.'s 
conversation  awoke,  led  me  to  a  precious  and  exceed- 
ingly happy  season  before  my  God.  My  soul  melted 
with  grateful  acknowledgement  for  God's  goodness 
towards  me,  and  to  them.  Was  greatly  humbled  and 
prostrate  before  God,  and  was  glad.  Walked  out  into 
a  retired  spot,  and  paced  the  ground.  My  heart-breath- 
ings were  after  God,  the  living  God.  '  Sweet,  loving 
Jesus'  — '  Sweet,  dear  Lord  Jesus,'  sounded  from  my 
lips,  while  I  meltingly  contemplated  my  dearest  Lord. 
I  longed  to  go  and  be  with  him.  Angels  were  very 
dear  to  my  heart.  I  felt  a  love  for  the  dear  and  holy 
spirits.  Sin  appeared  exceedingly  odious.  Afterwards, 
had  a  pleasent  season  below  stairs,  in  urging  one  and 
another  to  a  holy  life.  Happy,  happy,  happy  in  God. 
Praise,  praise,  praise  the  God  of  my  salvation !  " 

If  it  did  not  seem  almost  sacrilege  here  to  interrupt 
such  holy  and  happy  thoughts  as  the  last,  and  those 
which  continue  in  this  Diary  of  the  heart  of  James 
Brain ERD  Taylor,  as  his  Journal  might  most  justly 
be  called,  the  writer  would  pause  one  moment  over 
the  preceding  extracts,  which  seem  to  have  flowed  from 
*  See  page  98,  the  letters  of  this  young  lady. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  139 

the  calm,  and  mellowed,  and  deep  feeling-soul  of  this 
remarkable  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ,  like  a  silver  rivulet 
gliding  through  a  velvet  landscape  of  richest  meadows. 
What  eye  can  contemplate  it  and  not  see  its  moral 
beauty,  and  feel  the  hallowed  influence  of  its  purity 
gather  with  its  mellowing  power  over  the  sensibilities  of 
the  soul  ?  And  where  is  the  mind  capable  of  apprecia- 
ting the  loveliness,  and  the  beauty,  and  the  sublime  of 
moral  feeling,  but  would  envy  the  happy  state  of  the 
soul  of  James  Taylor,  as  exhibited  in  the  unaffected  and 
heart-developing  narrative  which  has  here  been  given  ? 
There  may  be  an  exultation  in  the  emotion  which  heaves 
the  swelling  bosom  of  the  conqueror,  as  he  stands  on 
the  field  of  battle  and  views  the  vanquished  lying  in  their 
gore,  and  thinks  of  the  glory  that  shall  encircle  the 
name  which  he  has  acquired,  and  give  one  further  gem 
to  his  earthly  diadem.  And  there  is  a  gush  of  ennobling 
emotion  through  the  bosom  of  an  intellectual  being, 
when  he  has  reached  the  same  sought-for  developement 
which  places  him  upon  the  proud  pinnacle  of  intellectual 
greatness.  But  these  are  emotions  which  reach  not 
the  xvhole-heing  of  one  constituted  with  intellectual  and 
moral  powers.  And,  for  myself,  with  happiness  as  the 
simple  object  of  my  search,  I  had  rather  be  James 
Taylor,  walking  at  the  dusk  of  evening  in  a  "  retired 
grove,"  with  his  "  heart-breathings,"  of  a  lovely,  pure, 
benevolent,  holy  spirit  —  recollecting  his  successful 
efforts  in  winning  immortal  souls  to  ceaseless  happiness, 


140  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

and  urging  others  to  the  enjoyments  of  a  holy  life,  and 
himself  exclaiming  in  the  unaffected  fulness  of  his  burst- 
ing heart  —  "Happy,  happy,  happy  in  God!  !"  than 
to  have  been  the  hero  of  ancient  Pharsalia,  or  the  mod- 
ern Alexander  on  the  plains  of  Austerlitz,  or  Archimedes 
in  ancient  science,  or  a  Newton  in  modern  philosophy. 
He  had  an  intellect  to  perceive  the  relations  and  fitness 
of  things  physical  and  moral,  and  a  heart  that  rejoiced 
when  it  perceived  the  coincidence  between  what  was, 
and  what  ought  to  be  in  a  world  of  immortal  and  res- 
ponsible, yet  fallen  intelligences.  And  with  such  per- 
ceptions and  such  feelings,  he  went  forward  to  accom- 
plish what,  in  the  very  nature  of  this  world's  circum- 
stances, it  was  desirable  should  exist.  With  the  con- 
sciousness of  such  a  course,  and  with  his  sympathies 
all  alive  with  benevolence  towards  his  fellow-men,  and 
of  unfeigned  love  towards  his  God,  he  acted  the  fit  part 
of  an  immortal  spirit  in  its  circumstances  of  earth.  And 
how  could  it  be  otherwise  than  that  his  soul  should  look 
forward  with  exulting  anticipation  to  the  bliss  of  heaven? 
He  consequently  was  happy.  And  of  all  men  the 
writer  has  ever  beheld,  he  was  the  happiest.  Such  is  the 
testimony  of  all  his  acquaintances.  Such  was  the  uni- 
form testimony  of  his  brilliant  and  benevolent,  and  ever 
beaming,  but  manly  countenance.  And  look  at  his  own 
secret  testimony,  in  his  private  Diary,  of  what  is  passing 
through  his  heart.  It  seems  almost  unkind  to  such  an 
unassuming  spirit  thus  to  unfold  the  secret-breathings  of 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  141 

his  private  hours,  for  which  there  can  be  no  other 
apology  than  the  prospect  of  enkindhng  some  kindred 
flame  of  rehgious  sensibiUty  4n  the  hearts  of  others, 
and  of  leading  to  a  like  imitation  of  Christ  in  benevo- 
lence towards  men,  and  of  the  souls'  entire  devotion  to 
God. 

The  reader  of  this  manuscript  of  private  entries,  finds, 
as  already  exhibited,  one  continued  glow  of  a  soul  ex- 
ulting in  its  happy  approaches  to  its  God.  Even  the 
heart-breakings  over  remembered  errors,  and  contrition, 
deep  as  the  feelings  of  a  soul  that  appreciated  the  base- 
ness of  ingratitude,  and  neglect  of  generous  kindness, 
from  an  unfailing  friend  can  awake,  in  his  case,  all  led 
to  happiness  of  spirit,  by  adding  to  a  generous  soul  like 
his,  devouter  attachment  and  deeper  devotion  on  the  re- 
turn of  that  communion  of  spirit,  which  it  was  an  ecstacy 
of  misery  to  him,  one  moment  to  lose.  "Happy,  happy, 
happy  in  God."  "  Praise,  praise,  praise  the  God  of  my 
salvation,"  are  the  two  last  periods  we  have  quoted.  And 
as  we  advance  with  this  narrative,  written  as  a  private  re- 
membrance of  his  own  devotional  hours,  we  shall  see 
the  same  high-wrought  emotion  of  soul  running  through 
his  recorded  evidences  of  religious  enjoyment,  which 
was  sustained  until  his  course  on  earth  was  ended,  and 
his  glowing  spirit  entered  the  upper  courts  as  an  im- 
mortal already  trained  to  join,  at  once,  in  the  elevated 
strains  of  a  seraph  in  glory. 

We  might  further  pause  here,  and  dwell  upon  the  pre- 


142  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

ceding  extracts,  as  exhibiting  another  secret  of  Mr. 
Taylor's  success  in  urging  sinners  to  Christ.  He  dwel- 
led in  his  closet,  upon  the  circumstances  of  their  immor- 
tal spirits,  and  in  connexion  with  the  amazing  love  of 
Christ  for  his  own  soul,  and  for  others,  his  sensibilities 
were  enkindled.  And  having  thus  wrought  his  feelings 
up  to  what  is  but  a  natural  state  of  a  mind  which  appre- 
ciates the  circumstances  of  an  impenitent  being,  he 
went  forth  to  talk  alike  to  the  crowded  assembly  and  to 
the  single  individual.  The  sincerity  of  a  heart  thus 
imbued,  and  thus  enkindled,  flashed  conviction  upon 
those  who  heard  him,  and  those  with  whom  he  con- 
versed. They  saw,  they  felt ;  and  in  very  many  in- 
stances, they  acted  in  view  of  this  perception  and  this 
feeling. 

But  without  dwelling  upon  this  particular  here,  I  pro- 
ceed to  make  some  further,  and  uninterrupted  extracts 
from  the  entries  of  his  Diary. 

"  July  20.    At  noon.    Mrs. ,  one  of  our  inmates 

just  left  my  room,  after  leaving  her  testimony  that  from 
the  interview  below  stairs  the  other  night,  (vide  note  of 
the  18th,)  she  went  and  found  Christ  yet  more  precious. 
She  seems  to  be  renewed  in  the  spirit  and  temper  of 
her  mind.  Brother  W.  seems  to  awake  to  deep  enjoy- 
ment, and  Mrs. also,  of  late.     0,  for  a  shower  — 

for  a  shower.  Of  late,  I  have  longed  much  for  some 
Christian  friend,  into  whose  bosom  I  could  penetrate 
and  hold  communion.     But  as  to  sweet  interchange. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  l43 

such  as  I  have  enjoyed  with  some  Christians,  I  do  not 
now  and  here  find  it.  I  have  become  acquainted  with 
not  a  few  who  profess  to  know  Christ,  and  are  active 
in  doing  good.  But,  let  the  cause  be  what  it  may, 
there  appears  to  me  to  be  but  a  precious  Uttle  of  that 
holy  unction  which  I  have  enjoyed  with  some  in  former 
days.  Yesterday,  spent  the  P.  M.  with  a  number  of 
professors.  But  how  little  of  the  power  of  godUness. 
About  rehgion,  and  in  generals  —  but  where  is  the 
getting  down  into  divine  things  1  0,  for  yet  more  of 
holy  living  —  more  of  holy  unction  —  more  of  a  Christ- 
like, and  so  of  a  lamb-like,  child-like  temper  —  the 
effect  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"  Thursday.  Returned  from  Middle-Haddam  on  a 
visit  to  my  father's.  Have  not  been  in  the  spirit  while 
absent.  And  I  feel  that  I  have  left  undone  many  things 
which  I  ought  to  have  done,  and  have  done  not  a  few 
things  which  I  ought  not  to  have  done. 

"  Saturday  evening  devotion.  Have  just  risen  from 
the  floor,  on  which  I  prostrated  myself  before  God.  In 
view  of  his  greatness,  my  whole  powers  seemed  en- 
listed to  demean  myself.  I  felt  in  a  good  degree  abased 
before  the  Almighty  God.  In  reading  Edwards,  I  came 
to  this  sentence.  '  I  have  often  had  sweet  complacency 
in  God,  in  views  of  his  glorious  perfections  and  the  ex- 
cellency of  Jesus  Christ.'  My  prayer  was  upraised  for 
a  disclosure  of  God's  perfections.  I  think  I  never 
before  had  such  a  clear  view  of  God's  greatness,  with 


144 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR. 


'% 


which  I  contrasted  myself,  and  sunk  before  him  over- 
whelmed with  inexpressibly  mean  views  of  myself,  as 
a  wretch,  insignificant  and  hell-deserving.  My  eyes 
were  suffused  in  tears,  crying  *  Ah  me !  ah  me !  the 
great  God !  the  great  God !  the  great  God  ! '  I  felt  as 
if  I  did  not  wish  to  go  to  heaven  in  any  other  way,  than 
by  his  free  gift.  For,  I  saw  that  the  contrary  would 
subvert  his  holy  and  gloriously  good  government.  The 
grace  of  the  Gospel  in  Jesus  Christ  opened  to  my  view 
in  a  clear  manner.  I  saw  how  fit  Christ's  atonement 
is,  and  how  gracious  is  the  Holy  Spirit  to  come  and 
try  to  reclaim  sinners.  My  cry  was  to  be  filled  with  the 
Holy  Ghost — that  I  might  exhibit  the  fruits  of  the 
spirit,  which  are  love  and  its  glorious  train.  How  sweet, 
how  ravishingly  refreshing,  and  meltingly  overpowering 
are  such  visits.  My  soul  rejoiced  to  antedate  the  day 
when  I  shall  be  reheved  from  earth  and  enjoy  a  holy 
HEAVEN.  Angels,  I  called  upon.  Ye  angels,  who 
cry  holy,  holy,  holy  —  ye  know  not  the  evil  of  sin.  Its 
tendency  to  dethrone  God  and  to  uproot  all  happiness 
in  the  universe,  made  it  appear  exceeding  sinful  —  and 
so  much  so  as  to  break  my  heart.  0,  how  odious 
must  sin  be  in  the  eyes  of  holiness  —  in  the  eyes  of 
God! 

"  Of  late,  my  heart  has  been  affected  in  view  of  my 
injuring  the  happy  heart  of  my  heavenly  Father  by  dis- 
obedience— of  wounding  the  feelings  of  Jesus  —  and 
grieving  the  Spirit.  How  could  I  ever  have  done  so  ? 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  146 


*  My  dearest  Saviour  and  my  guide, 
I  would  be  walking  near  thy  side  ; 
'Tis  thine  on  earth  the  soul  to  bless, 
And  yield  in  heaven  its  longed-for  bliss.' 

**  Expect  to  speak  this  evening  to  a  company  who 
usually  meet  on  Saturday  evening.  0,  for  wisdom  to 
wield  the  sword  of  the  Spirit !  Spoke  last  evening  to 
about  forty  young  ladies. 

"  Walked  out  after  tea,  and  paced  the  retired  spot, 
where  I  resort  from  time  to  time.  There,  had  an  un- 
common wrestling  with  God,  for  the  upbuilding  of  Zion. 
My  soul  was  in  earnest  for  the  meeting  anticipated.  I 
wept  much,  and  bowed  before  the  Lord  in  humble  ac- 
quiescence to  the  will  of  Him  who  blesses  me.  In  the 
meeting  I  had  uncommon  freedom.  The  room  was 
full ;  and  I  endeavoured  with  my  might  to  plead  the 
cause  of  God.  It  was  solemn.  At  the  close,  I  felt 
happy.  Calmness  and  staying  upon  God  pervaded  my 
soul.  0,  to  be  kept  by  him  who  keepeth  Israel  —  to 
be  kept  low,  very  low  at  the  feet  of  Jesus. 

"  August  1st.  Yesterday,  at  evening-offering,  had  a 
delightful,  precious,  sweet  season  before  God,  while 
reading  the  4th  of  Canticles,  and  in  prayer.  The  wind 
blew  upon  the  garden,  and  the  Beloved  came  and  par- 
took of  the  fruits.     This  evening  too  was  melted. 

'How  happy  are  thuy  who  their  Saviour  obey.' 
!5i  13 


'^y^. 


146 


TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 


"  Had  a  sweet  interview  last  evening  with 


Christian  sister.  My  soul  seemed  to  cling  to  her's  as 
to  a  kindred  spirit.  A  letter  from  my  dear  friend  L.  P. 
is  in  strains  refreshing  to  one,  who  has  so  long  and  so 
much  prayed  for  him. 

'*  August  3d.  Last  evening  had  a  visit  from  the 
Lord.  I  was  greatly  refreshed  and  melted.  Talked  to 
the  assembly  of  young  ladies  from  the  words,  '  Grieve 
not  the  Holy  Spirit.''  This  morning  received  a  note 
desiring  me  to  call.  Went  and  found  two  individuals  in 
deep  distress  of  mind.  They  had  spent  the  night  in 
great  sorrow  —  feeling  that  they  had  grieved  the  spirit 
of  God.  Sent  them  away,  with  two  others,  younger 
members  of  the  family,  to  give  themselves  to  Christ. 
Before  I  left,  one  of  them  came  down,  apparently,  with 
a  broken  heart,  leaning  on  Christ.  May  this  be  the 
harbinger  of  good  things. 

"  Saturday  night.  Had  a  crowd  this  evening.  Spoke 
with  freedom.  A.  T.  says  she  is  happy.  She  looks 
so.  Happy  indeed  for  her,  if  she  submitted  her  heart 
to  God  this  morning,  as  I  trust  she  did.  Her  sister  — , 
in  deep  distress  most  of  the  day. 

"  Sunday.  Bible  Class  interesting.  Seemed  to 
gpeak  with  some  effect.  ,  in  agony  of  mind  to- 
day.    What  will  be  the  result  ? 

"  Aug.  9.  Last  evening's  devotion  was  fraught  with 
the  richest  of  blessings  —  a  broken  heart  and  a  contrite 
spirit.  I  think  I  never  had  such  a  sense  of  the  necessity 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  147 

of  grace  to  subdue  the  heart  —  not  because  it  could  not 
jield,  but  because  it  would  not.  The  inability  of  man 
is  not  cannot  but  will  not.  My  soul  was  in  sweet  sub- 
jection. 

"  Walked  out  after  tea,  and  communed  with  Heaven. 
Walking,  and  praying,  and  contemplating,  and  singing 
aloud,  as  I  often  do,  in  my  retired  walks,  it  seemed  as 
if  the  Saviour  almost  spake  audibly  to  me,  '  Are  you 
willing  to  come  to  me?'  I  replied,  'Yea,  Lord,  yet 
willing  to  remain.'  My  soul  was  sweetly  melted,  and  I 
could  praise  the  Lord.  Blessed,  thrice  blessed  is  my 
soul.  Having  retired  to  my  room,  I  sat  me  down  by 
my  window  to  look  at  the  heavens.  The  thought  of 
dying  and  going  to  Jesus  was  pleasant.  And  I  felt 
ready,  but  I  wished  to  destroy  some  of  my  papers.  I 
thought  that  I  would  attend  to  this  on  the  morrow. 
This  morning,  however,  I  awoke  with  illness  indicative 
of  an  excess  of  bile.  Took  an  emetic.  Kind,  dear 
friends  and  fellow-pilgrims  of  this  my  home,  all  interest- 
ed themselves  to  help  me.  They  load  me  with  kind 
offices  —  all  the  inmates  of  the  house,  and  the  domes- 
tics. Friends  send  to  inquire  after  me  as  though  they 
loved  me.  In  looking  upon  myself  I  am  led  to  say. 
Who  can  ever  love  me  ?  But  I  love  not  a  few,  and  my 
heart  is  knit  with  theirs  in  the  best  bonds.  Did  not 
know  what  would  be  the  issue  of  my  illness.  Neither 
was  I  solicitous.  That  God  was  with  me  —  that  was 
enough.  Was  so  much  recovered  this  P.  M.  as  to  walk 


148  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

out.     ,  still  withoiTt  hope.     A.,  her  sister,  a  dear 

lamb. 

"  Friday  evening.  More  attended  my  meeting  to- 
night than  ever  before.  Spoke  from  the  words,  '  Re- 
joice with  trembling.'  Some  feeling.  Saturday  even- 
ing. Attended  the  meeting.  Rainy.  Few  present. 
Pleasant  season.  Sunday.  Bible-Class  at  noon. 
Solemn.  More  than  one  hundred  present.  Lot's  flee- 
ing out  of  Sodom,  the  subject.  At  evening-devotions, 
was  sweetly  refreshed  with  a  visit  from  my  best, 
heavenly  Friend.  The  Spirit  took  of  the  things  of  Christ 
and  showed  them  unto  me.  My  fellowship  with  the 
Father  and  with  the  Son  was  intimate  and  unusually 
dear. 

"  Of  late,  I  have  loved  to  sit  and  to  lie  prostrate  on 
the  floor  while  before  God,  all  suffused  in  tears,  and  ray 
heart  melted  into  burning  love.  My  soul  has  been  so 
inflamed  as  to  cause  the  tears  to  flow  from  my  eyes  as 
it  were,  like  scalding  waters.  There  is  an  ardency  of 
affection  that  causes  my  soul  to  leari  on  the  arm  of  my 
beloved,  and  repose  on  his  bosom.  Under  such  soul- 
ardour,  I  feel  the  most  unworthy,  and  the  least  disposed 
to  forgive  myself  the  sins  which  I  have  committed 
against  God. 

"Mrs. has  come  into  great  enjoyment.      My 

testimony  to  her  was  blessed,  after  which  she  could  not 
sleep,  nor  did  she  rest  until  she  found  the  Lord  exceed- 
ingly precious.     Mrs. ,  (another  lady,)  in  deep  trou- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  149 

bie,  and  wishes  to  be  prayed  for  as  one  unconverted. 

May  she   come   into   full  liberty.      Mrs. ,  (still 

another  lady,)  happy.     Greatly  filled  with  the  love  of 
God. 

"  Monday.  Addressed  the  teachers  of  the  Sabbath- 
School  at  their  monthly  concert.  Had  freedom  of  utter- 
ance. The  testimony  of  some  was,  that  they  never 
attended  so  good  a  meeting  of  this  kind  before.  I  en- 
deavoured to  be  tender,  and  to  excite  to  activity.  I  felt 
well,  and  things  went  well.  I  think  that  appearances 
are  encouraging —  Christians  waking  up  to  more  life  and 
godliness,  f^  '  When  thou  art  converted,  strengthen 
thy  brethren.' 

"  Saturday  A.  M.  (after  10  o'clock.)  The  misery 
which  I  have  felt  this  morning  has  been  acpte.  It  is 
mental  anguish  which  arose  from  disobedience.  Yester- 
day was  mostly  spent  in  preparing  a  subject  for  my 
evening  meeting.  In  the  afternoon,  after  lecture,  I 
trespassed  upon  the  hour  of  devotion  by  staying  too 
long  at  the  place  where  I  had  called.  It  being  over- 
clouded, I  thought  but  few  would  come  out  to  the 
meeting  in  the  evening.  I  therefore  invited  another  to 
speak  for  me.  Ate  too  much  at  tea,  and  so  felt  a  full- 
ness that  was  burdensome.  Went  to  meeting.  There 
was  a  crowd.  Regret  and  rebellion  on  my  part  ensued. 
I  was  vexed  at  myself,  and  I  felt  that  I  had,  Jonah-like, 
run  from  duty.  I  was  disconsolate,  unhappy,  and  self- 
condemned.  I  attempted  to  speak  at  the  close  of  the 
13* 


150  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

meeting.  Was  altogether  dissatisfied  with  my  attempt : 
for,  I  felt  that  I  did  not  do  as  well  as  I  might,  and  that 
the  meeting  did  not  amount  to  much.  Probably  I  was 
more  intent  upon  pleasing  man  than  God.  This  morn- 
ing, I  felt  that  this  anguish  was  insupportable,  and  then 
I  thought,  how  insupportable  in  hell !  Preparing  for  my 
Bible- Class  for  to-morrow,  I  was  in  the  dark.  All  was 
dim.  No  life.  Heart  hard.  Distressed,  burdened.  1 
stopped  and  sang, 

*  Show  pity,  Lord,  O  Lord  forgive.' 

Resolved  to  go  to  Jesus,  though  my  sin  like  a  mouiit- 
ain  rose ;  kindlings  of  contrition  were  felt.  I  fell  upon 
my  knees.  I  sunk  down  upon  the  floor.  Toars  flowed 
—  my  heart  broke  —  and  such  views,  I  think,  I  never 
had  before.  The  Father,  and  the  Son,  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  visited  me  with  singular  love-tokens.  It  seemed 
as  if  Jesus  asked  me  if  I  believed  he  could  bless  me. 
Yea,  Lord,  I  replied  —  and  more,  I  believe  that  thou 
wilt.  0,  the  nearness  of  approach  my  soul  gained. 
Near,  very  near.  And  so  of  my  heavenly  Father  and 
the  Spirit.     Matchless  love !  matchless  love ! ! 

"  My  heart  broke  in  view  of  the  labour  devolving 
upon  me,  and  of  my  inadequacy  to  the  task.  I  need 
the  help  of  Jesus. 

"  In  view  of  my  labours  for  this  evening,  and  for  to- 
morrow, I  promised  the  Lord  to  lay  myself  out.     The 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  151 

attending  intenseness  of  soul  for  the  conversion  of  sin- 
ners was  great  beyond  description,  and  I  think  surpassed 
any  thing  which  I  have  ever  before  felt.  Mind  affected 
my  very  body.  The  Lord  be  praised.  May  I  walk 
softly  before  the  Lord,  and  blameless.  In  view  of  my 
meanness,  however  low  the  opinion  of  others  respecting 
me  and  my  efforts,  I  felt  consoled  in  the  consciousness 
that  none  could  think  me  meaner,  or  more  undeserving 
than  I  did  of  myself.     Let  the  Lord  be  magnified. 

"  Night.  At  evening  devotion  was  again  sweetly  and 
meltingly  refreshed.  The  meeting  was  full.  Had  aid 
from  God.  Solemn  meeting.  Others  thought  it  one 
not  lost.  Spoke  from  John  9  :  26.  '  If  any  man  serve 
me,  him  will  my  Father  honour.' 

"  August  26.  Said  one  to  me  to-night,  will  you  not 
be  our  minister?  The  Lord  knoweth  to  whom  I  shall 
minister:  and  New- Haven  would  be  among  the  last 
places  that  I  had  anticipated. 

**  Sunday.  Bible- Class  more  interesting  to-day  than 
usual.  Some  weeping.  About  one  hundred  and  thirty 
present. 

"  Monday.  Had  an  interview  with  a  young  man  who 
is  well  ni^h  gone  in  ruin.  He  is  a  graduate.  Endea- 
voured to  reclaim  him.  At  evening  devotion  h;id  a 
melting  season,  which  prepared  me   the  better  for  a 

meeting  which  was  to  pray  for ,  who  continues  in 

deep  distress.  It  was  a  solemn  and  melting  meeting  to 
some. 


152  TRIBUTE   TO   THE    MEMORY  OF 

"  Thursday  evening.  Was  aided  much  this  evening 
in  addressing  the  church.  Mr.  Bacon  having  gone  a 
journey  and  having  left  his  church-meetings  in  my  care, 
I  attended  them  in  addition  to  other  labours.  Well,  if 
God  help,  I  shall  be  sustained.  Spoke  from  Ep.  5 :  26. 
'  Christ  also  loved  the  church,*  &c.  Solemn,  and  me- 
thinks  some  will  feel  the  subject.  Some  did.  I  was 
bold  as  a  lion,  and  yet  I  endeavoured  to  be  as  a  lamb, 
and  dove-like,  and  so  win  and  press  the  dear  brethren 
and  sisters.     0,  for  more  of  the  spirit  of  Christ ! 

"  Sunday.  Not  a  little  labour  the  last  week  in  connex- 
ion with  my  studies.  Wednesday  evening  met  a  num- 
ber who  have  lately  experienced  religion,  and  had  a 
pleasant  interview.     A  sweet  meeting. 

"  Thursday  P.  M.  Happened  in  at  court.  My  usual 
hour  of  devotion  arrived.  I  thought  I  would  stay,  and 
among  other  reasons,  my  heart  was  base  enough  to  say, 
I  have  no  meeting  to-night,  and  I  shall  not  need  a 
blessing  so  much.  My  conscience  smote  me  for 
this  free  act  of  my  will,  which  detained  me  in  the 
court-house.  I  came  away  soon.  And  though  I 
came  direct  to  my  room  and  to  my  kneeling  place —  the 
peace  of  mind  which  I  had  enjoyed  was  gene,  and  I 
felt  the  consciousness  of  guilt.  The  bitterness  of  the 
sting  was  this,  that  I  might  have  done  othenvise.  It  was 
as  much  as  to  tell  God  that  I  did  not  need  his  blessing, 
only  as  I  laboured  for  him.  0  how  base  !  How  crimi- 
nal.    The  dicipline  of  the  father  towards  a  disobedient 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  163 

child  was  felt.  Thus  I  was,  and  thus  I  went  to  God, 
and  confessed,  and  Mt  that  I  had  lost  —  lost  greatly  — 
and  perhaps  irreparably  his  smiles  —  how  long,  I  knew 
not,  but  well  I  knew  that  I  deserved  his  frown  forever. 
I  think  I  again  felt  the  consciousness  of  pardon,  though 
there  was  no  melting  of  soul.  My  affections  did  not  go 
out  after  God  in  their  wonted  sweetness.  I  was  not 
folded  in  the  arms  of  love  as  the  Lord  the  Beloved 
oftentimes  hath  embraced  me.  On  Friday  the  Son  of 
Righteousness  again  arose  in  his  splendour  and  life- 
giving  beams  ;  and  again  the  winds  blew  upon  this  little 
garden,  and  the  spices  sent  forth  their  sweet  fragrance  ; 
and  again  the  Beloved  came  into  his  garden  with  his 
banner  of  love.  Thus,  I  was  refreshed  and  made  giant- 
like for  my  meeting  in  the  evening.  There  was  a  more 
manifest  solemnity,  and  I  thought  more  feeling  than  at 
any  former  meeting.  The  room  full.  And  I  think  I 
never  spoke  with  more  power.  Luke  9  :  14.  Sentiment, 
It  costs  something  to  become  a  Christian.  Yesterday 
was  spent  in  preparing  for  Bible-Class  to-day,  and  for 
the  meeting  of  the  last  evening.  The  meeting  was 
more  fully  attended  than  any  previous.  Subject,  Rev. 
3  :  20.  I  was  much  strengthened  by  the  blessing  I  ob- 
tained at  my  evening  devotion.  0,  how  condescending 
and  how  kind  is  my  God!  He  enlists  me  in  his  service 
and  harnesses  me  for  the  battle.  The  best  armour  is 
that  which  is  put  on  in  secret.  My  soul  lay  low  be- 
fore God.     I  was  prostrate  upon  the  floor,  and  yet  I 


154  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORF    OP 

wanted  to  get  infinitely  lower  at  the  feet  of  Christ,  and 
bathe  them  with  my  flowing  tears.  There  I  interceded 
for  myself,  and  for  those  I  was  to  meet.  I  went  to  the 
meeting  and  the  help  of  the  Lord  was  my  help.  Through 
his  strengthening  me  I  laboured,  and  may  the  result  be 
joyfully  talked  of  in  eternity.  My  soul  loves  the  work. 
My  strength  is  renewed  in  waiting  upon  God.  He 
gives  me  favour  with  the  people.  The  eyes  of  the 
people  look  unto  me  more  than  I  could  have  expected. 
Well — let  all  that  I  have  — let  all  the  auxiliaries  which 
I  may  acquire  be  returned  in  double  effort  to  build  up 
Zion  —  Zion^  my  beloved  abode. 

"Septembers.  (Monday.)  Yesterday  was  a  high 
day  to  me,  and  to  others.  Four  joined  the  Third 
Society  —  four  young  ladies  from  the  world.  Sweet 
season  at  the  communion  table.  I  thought  I  never 
before  could  trust  Christ  so  firmly.     It  was  good. 

"  On  last  evening  (Sunday)  I  addressed  the  church 
from  Solomon's  Song,  *  Who  is  this  that  cometh  up  out 
of  the  wilderness,  leaning  on  her  Beloved  ? '  Took  in- 
terest in  it,  and  also  did  others. 

"  Wednesday  evening.  Met  a  circle  of  young  Chris- 
tians at  Mrs.  T.'s.     Subject,  '  Walk  circumspectly.* 

"  Friday  evening.  The  usual  meeting  at  Mr.  Leffing- 
well's.  Subject,  '  Let  us  alone.'  Unwell.  Little  inte- 
rest myself —  others  were  interested. 

"  Saturday  night.  Spoke  to  a  crowd  at  the  lecture- 
room.  Subject,  ♦  Nofliing  better,  but  rather  grown  worse.' 


W^^  JAMES  BRATNERD   TAYLOR.  166 

Was  renewed  in  the  Spirit  by  waiting  upon  God.  Felt 
like  a  new  man  strengthened  with  new  wine.  Very 
attentive. 

"  Sunday.  Bible-Class  full.  Interesting.  I  met 
them  for  the  last  time.  When  I  went,  at  first,  I  told 
them  it  was  only  pro  tern.  Other  engagements,  my 
studies,  and  infirm  state  of  health,  oblige  me  to  relin- 
quish. But  it  is  somewhat  like  cutting  oflfa  right-hand. 
I  have  also  relinquished  the  Friday-night  meeting,  from 
sense  of  duty. 

"  Wednesday  evening.  This  is  Commencement  eve- 
ning. Met  a  few  Iambs  at  Mrs.  H.'s.  It  was  a  melt- 
ing meeting.  I  met  them  for  the  last  time,  until  my  re- 
turn after  vacation.  One  who  has  met  with  us  goes  to 
Boston,  not  to  return.     Well.      Well, 

^If  all  in  yonder  heaven  shall  meet, 

To  «ing,  and  love,  and  praise  at  Jesus'  feet.'  " 

These  are  the  last  records  in  the  Diary  from  which 
we  have  been  quoting,  which  James  Taylor  ever  made, 
connected  with  the  meetings,  which  he  was  now  forever 
closing.  How  little  was  he  thinking,  at  the  moment  he 
was  penning  the  last  paragraph,  that  it  would  be  the  re- 
cord of  the  last  meeting  he  should  ever  attend  in  New- 
Haven.  And  yet,  something  like  a  presentiment  seem- 
ed to  pervade  his  heaving  bosom,  as  he  speaks  the  last 
farewell  to  them  before  they  separate.  He  finds  his 
strength  has  already  been  too  much  spent  to  allow  him 


156  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

longer  to  keep  up  the  several  meetings  which  he  was  in 
the  habit  of  conducting  during  the  week.  He  tells 
them,  as  he  meets  with  them  for  the  last  time,  that  it  is 
his  last  message  ;  and  with  a  feeling  heart,  and  a  solemn 
pause,  he  closes  forever  the  exercises  which  had  been 
to  him  a  source  of  great  religious  enjoyment,  solicitude, 
and  increased  debility ;  though  from  his  continued  ex- 
citement, he  did  not  perceive  how  greatly  his  continued 
efforts  were  undermining  his  remaining  strength.  Hav- 
ing concluded  his  other  religious  engagements,  he 
meets,  on  the  last  evening  of  his  stay  in  New-Haven, 
a  small  band  of  young  converts.  He  records  this  too 
as  a  "  melting  meeting."  And  it  was  the  "  last  time," 
perhaps,  that  he  should  address  them.  He  mingles  his 
tears  with  those  who  could  well  sympathize  with  each 
other,  as  they  carried  forward  their  thoughts  to  another 
world.     He  bids  them  adieu. 

Thus  were  his  labours  in  New- Haven  closed.  That 
his  memory  is  most  tenderly  cherished  by  a  great  num- 
ber in  this  lovely  spot,  where  rural  and  moral  beauty  is 
justly  said  to  exist  beyond  its  prevalence  in  most  any 
other  place  of  our  land,  the  writer  well  knows.  And  there 
are  some  there  who  yet  mention  his  name  with  tears, 
so  tenderly  are  the  recollections  of  his  efforts  and  his 
manners  associated  with  the  hours,  when  they  were  first 
successfully  induced  to  surrender  their  affections  to 
their  God.  It  was  a  peculiarity  in  the  history  of  Mr. 
Taylor,  in  his  different  residences,  during  his  course  of 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR  1.57 

studies  and  travels,  that  he  always  left  a  tenderness  of  re- 
collection in  the  bosoms  of  those  with  whom  he  asso- 
ciated, which  made  them  regard  him  as  a  brother  and 
friend,  as  well  as  a  religious  guide,  to  whom,  more 
than  to  another,  they  could  give  their  confidence.  An- 
other might  alike  enlighten  their  minds.  Another  might 
alike  excite  their  consciences,  and  alarm  the  soul  unre- 
conciled to  its  God.  But  few,  like  James  Taylor,  ever 
so  thoroughly  won  the  heart,  and  attached  it  to  himself; 
at  the  same  time  he  guided  that  heart  to  Christ.  And 
yet  there  was  nothing  like  sentimentalism  in  his  habits 
and  associations.  Confidence,  the  first  requisite  of  all 
durable  attachment,  was  at  once  yielded  to  him,  because 
he  carried  in  his  features  and  manners  an  intelligible 
demonstration,  that  he  was  acting  out  the  simple  and 
unaflfected  feelings  of  a  heart  glowing  with  benevolence 
towards  man,  and  of  love  towards  God.  And  that 
heart  really  felt  for  the  best  welfare  of  his  fellow-men, 
temporally  and  spiritually.  Consequently  in  his  visits 
among  his  acquaintances,  in  whatever  way  they  had 
been  formed  —  whether  casually,  as  a  common  citizen, 
or  as  a  professor  of  religion,  meeting  his  duties  as  a 
disciple  of  Jesus  Christ  in  the  ordinary  walks  of  society, 
or  as  a  public  speaker,  assuming  the  responsibilities  of 
exhorting  a  people  to  repentance  and  salvation  —  he 
entered  into  all  their  sympathies,  as  one,  who  felt  for 
another's  woes,  and  was  happy  in  another's  joys.  With- 
out officiousness,  his  manners  invited  so  much  familiar- 
14 


158  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 

ity,  as  makes  a  person  at  ease  in  the  society  of  a  con- 
fiding friend.  He  was  regarded  as  one  who  had  a  heart 
that  could  and  would  feel,  and  a  mind  connected  with 
such  a  heart,  that  could  sooth  another's  in  affliction, 
and  in  prosperity  augment  another's  joy  by  partaking  of 
it.  And  while  all  who  were  his  acquaintances  felt  this, 
they  felt  further,  that  it  was  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ 
that  had  made  him  thus.  He  therefore  secured  the 
confidence  of  all.  And  possessed  of  that  confidence, 
his  beautiful  manners,  and  unaffected  benevolence,  and 
purity  of  heart,  connected  with  a  person  at  once  manly 
and  elegant  to  a  degree  equalled  but  by  few,  he  left 
a  deep  sentiment  of  affection  in  the  bosoms  of  all  with 
whom  he  associated.  When  we  add  to  this,  the  ardency 
of  attachment  which  is  generally  the  oflTspring  of  those 
relations  which  exist  between  a  person  who  has  become 
religious, and  the  individual  who,  under  God,  has  been  in- 
strumental in  bringing  the  mind  of  that  person  to  serious 
consideration,  we  shall  justly  conclude  that  Mr.  Taylor 
has  left,  in  every  place  where  he  resided,  friends  who  re- 
call his  person  and  his  character  to  mind  with  a  hallowed- 
ness  and  depth  of  affection,  which  purity,  and  character, 
and  manners,  and  sympathies  like  his  must  secure. 
Such  friends  he  left  in  New-Haven.  They  will  ever 
remember  him  with  tenderest  emotions,  and  carry  back 
their  affecting  recollections  to  hours,  when  their  hearts 
have  been  melted  under  his  persuasions  to  repentance, 
and  to  a  holy  life.     If  these  recollections  shall  prompt 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  169 

to  greater  fixedness  of  purpose  to  imitate  the  holy  life  of 
James  Brainerd  Taylor,  as  it  was  exhibited  before  them 
in  his  walk,  and  labour,  and  sympathy,  and  now  in  this 
Tribute,  as  presented  in  the  private  records  of  his  of- 
ten bursting  heart  as  he  moved  among  them,  then  shall 
it  awake  another  note  of  gratitude  in  their  eternal  song 
to  the  Redeemer,  that  an  acquaintance  with  this  devoted 
and  shining,  and  happy  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ,  was 
once,  by  them,  enjoyed. 


SECTION    IX. 

The  Commencement-vacation  in  Yale  College,  during 
which  time  the  studies  in  the  professional  departments 
are  also  suspended,  continues  six  weeks.  Mr.  Taylor 
having  spent  this  period  among  his  relatives,  mostly  at 
his  father's,  he  returned  to  New-Haven,  glad  to  enter 
again  on  his  course  of  studies,  and  to  participate  in  the 
renewed  kindness  of  his  New-Haven  friends.  But  it 
was  little  in  his  thoughts,  that  an  incident  was  so 
soon  to  occur,  which  should  so  deeply  shade  the 
bright  prospect  before  him,  and  so  materially  alter  his 
purposes  as  to  the  manner  of  spending  his  time  the  suc- 
ceeding winter.  He  had  been  much  engaged  in  per- 
sonal efforts  for  the  best  welfare  of  the  young  people  in 
New-Haven  ;  and  during  this  period  had  formed  many 
agreeable  acquaintances,  and  made  a  happy  impression 
upon  those  with  whom  he  had  associated  privately  and 
in  public.  He  looked  forward  not  to  an  entire  relin- 
quishing of  these  efforts  during  the  further  period,  while 
he  should  pursue  his  theological  course,  which  to  him 
had  gained  additional  interest  each  day  he  had  spent  in 
the  studies  connected  with  his  intended  profession. 
But  he  had  no  sooner  arrived  at  this  spot  of  his  great 
attachment  and  favourite  pursuits,  than  he  has  to  record 
the  event  which  omened  sadly  for  the  continuance  of 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  161 

Ms  life,  and  the  future  fulfilment  of  his  dearly  cherished 
hopes. 

His  first  note  in  his  Diary,  after  his  return  to  New- 
Haven,  (a  break  having  occurred  during  the  interval  of 
his  absence,)  is  as  follows : 

"  Oct.  26,  1827.  Having  been  absent  from  New- 
Haven  about  six  weeks,  I  returned  on  the  24th,  glad  to 
breathe  again  this  atmosphere  amid  such  loved  friends. 
Yesterday,  after  dinner,  when  I  was  about  to  sit  down 
to  my  studies,  having  been  busy  fitting  my  room,  &c.,  I 
coughed  lightly,  upon  which  there  was  a  discharge  of 
blood,  so  much  so,  that  I  called  a  physician.  Kept 
house  for  the  most  part. 

"  This  light  affliction  has  executed  its  kind  office.  I 
think  I  can  see  in  it  a  timely  visit.  It  probably  throws  a 
barrier  in  the  way  of  any  exertion  of  speaking  on  my  part, 
this  winter.  No  return  of  bleeding  having  occurred,  and 
feeling  no  inconvenience  from  what  has  already  hap- 
pened, I  infer  that  the  blood  came  not  from  the  lungs. 
But  to  whatever  results  it  may  lead,  I  am  no  way  dis- 
tressed :  on  the  contrary,  I  am  raised  in  spirit.  To  die  is 
gain.  Was  much  blessed  this  evening.  The  Lord  is 
nigh  unto  all  them  that  call  upon  him  in  sincerity.  I 
have  longed  for  a  more  devoted  soul  in  living  to  God, 
and  I  hope  that  the  coming  session  will  find  me  more 
hke  Christ.  In  view  of  my  condition,  I  was  broken- 
hearted, and  wept  for  the  longing  which  I  had  to  win 
souls  for  God.  This,  this,  only  this,  drank  up  my  desire 
14* 


162  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OP 

to  live.  The  Lord's  will  be  done.  Heaven  is  a  good 
place  for  the  holy,  and  an  active  being  v^'ill  find  employ- 
ment there. 

"  Sabbath,  November.  Detained  at  home  on  account 
of  the  rain.  Dear  Brother  Knowles  reached  here  yes- 
terday, P.  M.  Came  on  account  of  my  ill-health. 
Dear  brother,  he  seems  to  feel  that  our  interests  are 
identified  with  the  cause  of  God,  and  with  one  another. 

"  Have  had  no  recurrence  of  bleeding.  But  pruden- 
tial measures  must  be  taken.  On  my  physician  I  have 
thrown  the  responsibility.  On  his  decision  I  must  de- 
pend, and  with  them  comply.  It  would  be  grievous 
indeed  to  leave  here.  They  may  let  me  stay  if  I  will 
suspend  application,  and  only  attend  the  lectures,  and 
apply  myself  to  books  as  a  mere  relaxation.  I  feel  that 
I  can  put  my  cause  into  the  hands  of  God,  and  leave 
me  at  his  disposal.  Had  a  delightfully  sweet  and  mel- 
ting season  at  my  devotions  last  evening,  at  the  close  of 
them  —  at  first,  was  interrupted.  On  Friday  evening, 
too,  was  most  sweetly  refreshed,  while  on  Jesus  I  re- 
posed. How  calmly,  and  meltingly,  and  lovingly,  I 
leaned  on  his  bosom.  I  could  say,  my  dear,  dear  Lord 
Jesus.  Threw  myself  on  the  bed,  and  dropped  asleep, 
this  P.  M.  I  awoke  from  a  sweet  dream.  Thought  I 
was  at  a  meeting  of  Presbytery.  Dr.  Spring  prayed. 
My  heart  broke,  and  when  I  awoke,  I  was  weeping  with 
a  heart  full  of  intense  love  for  the  cause  of  the  dear  Re- 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  163 


deemer.      The  savour  of  this  dream  was  sweet  and 
fragrant. 


*  Awake,  asleep,  at  home,  abroad, 
I'll  lay  me  on  thy  bosom,  Lord.' 

"  November  18.  Sunday.  Have  had,  at  intervals, 
acute  pain  in  my  sides  during  the  week  past.  But  the 
tendency  has  been  to  win  my  heart  over  to  the  Lord,  and 
to  chain  my  affections  to  the  cross.  I  think  I  have  seen 
to-night,  that  the  Lord  meaneth  all  this  for  good.  It 
seems  to  me  that  he  is  determined  to  bring  me  to  him- 
self, finally.  In  the  meantime,  to  prepare  me  in  the  best 
way  possible,  for  that  home,  in  the  skies.  Rather  than 
not  accomplish  this,  he  will  visit  me  with  stripes.  I  do 
believe  that  he  does  all  that  he  can,  to  melt  my  heart. 
And  rather  than  not  make  me  contrite,  and  childlike,  he 
visits  me  with  evil,  and  threatens  me  with  more.  To 
accomplish  his  benevolent  designs  towards  me,  i.  e.,  to 
make  me  willing  and  obedient,  I  see  that  it  may  be 
necessary  even  to  shut  me  out  of  the  ministry.  For,  I 
see  that  his  word,  his  works,  his  varied  providences  in  a 
thousand  ways  passing  before  me,  have  not  affected  me, 
as  they  should  have  done.  It  was  necessary  that  he 
should  visit  me  with  pain.  This  pain  has  done  its  kind 
office.  My  heart  has  leaned  on  my  heavenly  Father  — 
and  drawn  my  arms,  as  it  were,  around  the  neck  of  my 
dear,  dear  Lord  Jesus.     And  0,  how  sweet  has  it  been, 


164  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

to  lie  at  his  feet  and  weep,  and  love !  To-night,  as  I 
mused  on  my  situation,  I  thought  that,  rather  than  re- 
linquish my  present  prospect  of  preaching  the  Gospel 
and  go  to  another  employment,  I  would  lay  me  down 
and  die.  Yes  —  for  this  too,  I  thought,  might  be  a 
necessary  trial,  to  strengthen  the  holy  principle  for  the 
heavenly  world.  Here  I  wept.  Tears  ran  down  my 
cheeks,  and  my  soul's  desire  was,  '  Lord,  let  this  cup 
pass.'  Yet,  my  willing  and  submissive  heart  said.  Thou 
Lord,  knowest  what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me.  I 
looked  up  with  the  sentiment  felt  in  my  heart,  /  am  wil- 
ling to  die  and  go  home.  But  then,  the  thought  of  going 
to  heaven  with  so  few  souls !  I  cried.  Lord,  I  wish  to 
go  thither  in  triumph,  having  in  my  train  thousands  of 
saved  sinners.  But  my  heart  settled  with  the  sentiment. 
Lord,  do  just  as  thou  pleaseth.  Here  I  rested.  Amen 
and  amen." 

Here  closes  the  Journal  from  which  1  have  been  quo- 
ting. It  is  the  last  entry  he  made.  Can  we  wish  that 
it  should  have  been  in  one  particular,  otherwise  1  It  is 
the  triumph  of  a  zealous  and  holy  spirit,  "  resting  with 
a  will  entirelij  subdued  to  the  pleasure  of  its  God."  And 
here  his  Diary  closes.  It  is  at  the  end  of  his  paper. 
And  another  number  he  never  commenced.  The 
records  of  the  further  emotions  of  a  heart,  thus  sub- 
dued and  thus  reposing  in  hallowed  rest  upon  its  God, 
must  be  learned  from  his  letters,  and  from  his  conversa- 
tions with  his  friends.     Through  these,  and  through  the 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  165 

communications  of  those  who  loved  him,  we  shall  follow 
him  in  his  further  short  wanderings  on  his  earthly  path, 
until  we  lose  his  lovely  spirit,  as,  at  sunset,  on  a  more 
than  usually  calm  Sabbath-day,  it  took  its  brilliant  pas- 
sage to  the  bosom  of  its  God.  I  say  brilliant  passage 
—  for,  if  the  flight  of  a  spirit,  lighted  up  with  visions  of 
the  full  bliss  of  the  saints,  and  calmed  by  confiding  re- 
pose in  the  enduring  love  of  its  Saviour,  and  longing 
with  ardency  to  mingle  as  a  disembodied  spirit  in  the 
realities  of  another  world,  are  particulars  that  make  the 
course  of  a  departing  soul  from  this  earth  to  heaven  a 
way  of  light,  then  was  the  upward  course  which  the 
spirit  of  the  lamented  Taylor,  traced  from  this  earth  to 

heaven,  a  brilliant  passage  to  Him  who  gave  it 

It  appears  from  these  concluding  entries  in  Mr.  Tay- 
lor's Diary,  that  the  new  aspect  which  his  disease 
assumed,  considerably  excited  the  ever  wakeful  solici- 
tude of  his  friends.  His  eldest  brother,  K.  Taylor, 
visited  New-Haven  to  induce  him  to  leave  ;  but  after  a 
consultation  with  physicians  and  friends,  he  returned  to 
New- York,  leaving  his  brother  J.  B.  T.,  agreeably  to 
his  wishes,  still  at  New-Haven,  with  the  understanding 
that  he  was  to  make  his  residence  there  for  the  winter 
without  applying  himself  to  his  studies,  any  further  than 
was  desirable  as  a  necessary  recreation.  He  was  sur- 
rounded with  intelligent  associates,  and  kind  and  sympa- 
thising friends.  One  of  these,  a  fellow-student  in  the 
theological  department  of  the  college,  and  a  companion 


166  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

at  his  private  rooms,  noted  the  following  particulars  of 
different  interviews,  which  he  had  with  Mr.  Taylor,  at 
this  period  of  his  bleeding. 

"  When  first  attacked,"  says  this  friend,  "  he  called 
me  into  his  room,  and  remarked,  *you  see,  my  dear 
brother,  to  what  God  is  calling  me.  I  am  not  frighten- 
ed. My  mind  is  perfectly  composed,  and  happy.  I 
have  desired  to  live  and  preach  the  Gospel,  but  the  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done.  I  believe  that  God  has  in  re- 
serve a  better  portion  for  his  people  in  heaven,  than  in 
this  world.  This  is  a  good  world.  I  am  not  tired  of 
it.  I  am  happy  to  continue  here,  so  long  as  it  is  the 
pleasure  of  my  heavenly  Father  that  I  should.  I  cannot 
say,  so  far  as  my  individual  interest  is  concerned,  that  I 
have  any  choice,  whether  to  live  or  die.  If  God  has 
no  more  for  me  to  do,  I  should  be  happy  to  die  here, 
and  to  go  from  this  room  to  my  home  in  heaven.' 

"  Here  we  both  paused  in  silence  for  some  minutes, 
when  the  recollection  of  his  friends  came  over  his  mind, 
and  he  added,  *  My  dear  brothers  have  been  so  kind  to 
me,  and  have  so  much  anticipated  my  becoming  a  min- 
ister of  the  Gospel,  that  my  heart  is  pained  —  deeply 
pained  at  the  thought  of  their  expectations  being  disap- 
pointed—  but  this  is  good  for  me  —  it  is  just  what  I 
needed. 

"  After  a  short  silence,  he  said,  *  My  brother,  I  am 
now  sensible  that  I  sinned  in  indulging  that  repining 
thought.  I  now  feel  perfectly  resigned  to  the  whole  will 
of  God.     I  am  happy  —  perfectly  happy.' 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  167 

"  The  next  morning  he  said,  *  My  soul  melted  down 
before  God  last  night,  when  I  continued  to  ask  him  to 
let  me  live  and  preach  the  Gospel,  but  I  cheerfully  sub- 
mitted all  to  him.  O,  brother,  God  has  made  such  dis- 
coveries to  my  soul,  as  I  never  expected  nor  dared  to 
hope  for  in  this  world.  It  is  wonderful!  wonderfuH 
My  body  can  hardly  contain  this  immortal  being  that 
struggles  within !  I  am  willing  to  live  my  three  score 
years  and  ten.  I  wish  for  it  only  that  I  may  preach  the 
Gospel.  But  I  shall  be  happy  to  finish  my  work,  and 
mount  away  to  Jesus.  ^ 

"  November  14th.  Evening.  He  said,  *  This  has 
been  a  wonderful  day  to  me.  This  morning,  I  bled  a 
little — just  enough  to  remind  me  of  my  condition.  I 
am  thankful  for  it,  for  God  has  by  it  made  this  day  an 
antepast  of  heaven  to  my  soul.' 

"November  16th.  *  Afflictions  (said  brother  Tay- 
lor, this  morning,)  are  good,  because  they  come  laden 
with  blessings.  I  wish  all  the  world  to  experience  the 
same  that  I  do  —  not  my  pains,  but  the  blessings  which 
attend  them.  Every  pain  through  which  I  pass,  I  think 
that  now  I  have  taken  one  portion  more  of  the  cup  —  I 
shall  never  have  that  pain  again,  but  the  blessing  which 
it  brought  to  me  will  endure  forever.  After  all,  said  he, 
what  are  my  pains  1  They  are  not  Gethsemane  — 
they  are  not  the  cross.'     He  then  repeated  the  hymn, 

"O  what  are  all  my  sufferings  here."  &c. 


168  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"  Again  he  said,  *  I  never  before  experienced  such  a 
fullness  of  grace.  It  seems  as  though  my  immortal 
spirit  could  not  reside  in  this  tabernacle  —  as  though  I 
must  fly  away  to  Christ.  Yet  my  life  is  a  history  of 
sifts  and  mercies.  Never  before  have  I  felt  myself  to 
be  so  guilty  a  sinner.  I  deserve  to  have  a  mill-stone 
fastened  to  my  neck,  and  to  be  anchored  in  the  depths 
of  hell.' 

"  Again,  in  the  morning,  after  much  pain  and  langour 
during  the  night,  he  said,  'I  am  well,  and  calm,  and 
happy.  It  was  a  happy  night.  My  soul  is  happy  in 
Him,  and  all  will  redound  to  his  glory,  whether  I  live  or 
die.'" 


SECTION    X 


We  have  now  reached  a  crisis  in  the  plaintive  story 
(but  one  that  leaves  its  hallowed  influences  on  the  soul 
as  we  peruse  it)  of  the  friend,  to  whose  character  we 
are  yielding  our  tribute  of  affecting  recollections,  admira- 
tion, and  love.  From  this  time,  the  scene  changes  to 
other  localities ;  and  incidents  of  travel,  and  the  hopes 
and  the  fears,  and  the  joys  and  the  sorrows  of  an  invalid- 
stranger,  at  different  places  on  his  sojourn  for  health,  fill 
up  much  of  the  detail  which  will,  as  we  advance,  appeal 
to  our  sympathies,  and  give  additional  evidence  that  a 
holy  man  may  be  happy  in  every  circumstance  of  his 
mortal  life. 

We  have  seen  what  was  the  state  of  Mr.  Taylor's 
heahh  during  the  latter  months  of  the  year  1827.  After 
his  attack  by  bleeding,  on  the  25th  of  October,  he  con- 
tinued to  remain  in  New-Haven,  hoping  that  the  inci- 
dent would  prove  less  alarming  than  the  solicitudes  of 
his  friends  apprehended  might  be  its  consequences. 
He  visited  his  father's,  and  again  returned  to  his  rooms 
in  New-Haven.  He  continued  to  attend  the  lectures 
with  his  class,  and  was  yet  unweariedly  industrious  in  the 
pursuit  of  his  theological  course  of  studies — his  heart  still 
yearning  for  the  office  which  he  had  long  anticipated 
with  a  holy  joyousness.  But  the  sad  evidence  that 
15 


170  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

his  strength  was  diminishing,  daily  presented  itself  to 
the  observation  of  his  soHcitous  friends.  His  letters, 
while  they  breathed  the  true  spirit  of  Christian  submis- 
sion and  joyous  anticipation,  of  finally  entering  upon 
another  and  happier  state  of  being,  gave  painful  indi- 
cation, that  a  spirit  so  ripe  for  the  associations  of  a 
heavenly  world,  would  not  long  be  retained  in  this. 
Still,  his  friends  hoped  that  the  desires  which  their  affec- 
tions prompted,  might,  in  the  wisdom  of  Providence,  be 
granted  ;  and  that  change  of  scene  and  chmate  would 
yet  restore  him  to  health.  For  some  time  they  had 
yielded  to  his  desires  to  remain  at  New-Haven.  But 
now,  they  were  reluctantly  forced,  with  great  affection, 
in  view  of  the  increasing  debility  of  his  system,  to  insist 
upon  his  leaving  his  studies,  and  the  friends  in  New- 
Haven,  around  whom  his  affections  Hngered,  and  try 
the  effects  of  a  Southern  tour  upon  his  debilitated  con- 
stitution. His  heart  had  already  broken  in  view  of  the 
possibility  that  he  would  be  brought  to  this  ;  but,  should 
he  even  be  turned  aside  entirely  from  the  dearly  cher- 
ished object  of  his  studies  and  hopes,  part  of  the  bitter 
conflict  was  past,  and  he  had  been  brought  to  say, 
"  Thy  will  be  done,"  whatever  might  be  in  reserve  for 
his  experience. 

And  yet,  it  was  with  some  surprise  he  received  the 
following  letter  from  his  eldest  brother,  after  the  inter- 
view which  that  brother  had  held  with  him  a  few  weeks 
previously : 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  171 

"  New-York,  January  23,  1828. 
"  My  Dear  Brother  : 

"  I  have  your  letter,  by  Mr.  C,  for  which  I  am  ob- 
liged, learning  by  it  that  you  are  now,  probably  returned 
from  the  Hill  to  New-Haven,  and  confirming  the  many 
reports  I  hear  that  your  health  is  critical.  I  have 
thought  much  of  the  remarks  of  those  who  have  seen 
you,  and  judge  still  more  from  your  letters  concerning 
the  state  of  your  health,  and  am  constrained,  with  great 
reluctance,  to  write  you,  because  I  apprehend  that  it  is  my 
duty.  I  feel  persuaded  that  you  will  be  ready  to  follow  any 
course  that  may  be  pointed  out  to  you  respecting  your- 
self, which  may  bo  made  to  appear  to  be  a  matter  of 
duty. 

"  I  am  not  going  over  much  ground  before  I  come  to 
the  point,  and  only  premise,  that  you  must  dismiss  all 
tenacity  and  predilection  to  your  own  wishes,  and  then 
consider  whether  it  is  not  best  for  you  to  relinquish  your 
studies  from  this  until  next  May,  leave  New-Haven 
and  ride  here  ;  and  from  here,  perhaps  to  Philadelphia, 
Washington,  Richmond,  and  Prince-Ed  ward,  where  Pro- 
fessor Goodrich  and  Dr.  Rice  are,  and  there  stop  for  one 
or  two  months,  and  study  a  little  or  not  as  circumstances 
may  allow.  I  am  very  serious  on  this  subject,  and  could  I 
see  you  for  ten  minutes,  I  should  know  whether  to  lay  my 
commands  on  you,  notof  violence  but  of  love,  and  tell  you 
that  you  must  and  that  you  shall  desist,  and  take  counsel 


1 


172  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

and  be  willing  to  think  that  it  is  not  according  to  that 
we  have  not,  but  according  to  that  we  have,  whereof 
we  are  bound  to  render. 

"You  may, if  you  please,  show  to  Dr.  T.,  or  others, 
this  counsel  from  me,  and  I  am  sure  they  all  will  coin- 
cide with  me.  I  know  that  your  usefulness,  and  capa- 
city to  do  a  great  deal  in  the  cause  of  Christ  during 
your  life,  should  that  life  be  spared  for  years,  demands 
this  of  you.  I  do  not  demand  it  of  you  except  as  I  am 
bound  to  prevent  your  being  so  determined  in  a  different 
course,  as  shall  almost  result  to  the  taking  away  of  your 
life.  What  is  the  object  of  your  study?  To  be  pre- 
pared to  labour  as  a  minister  of  Christ.  How  can  you 
do  this  as  you  wish,  and  as  health  will  enable  you,  if 
you  are  continually  racked  by  pain,  and  are  labouring 
under  a  decayed  constitution  ? 

"  Now  then,  pack  up  your  books  and  place  them  in 
F.'s  charge,  and  mount  your  horse,  and  be  willing  to 
leave  New-Haven  for  three  months,  and  come  to  New- 
York  as  soon  as  you  can  with  proper  regard  to  fatigue. 
Take  it  moderately,  and  pass  by  fields  of  labour. 

"  When  you  reach  New- York  you  can  be  fitted  off, 
after  resting  awhile,  and  I  hope,  to  regain  your  health. 
As  I  shall  expect  you  here,  I  shall  write  you  no  more 
at  the  present,  and  anticipate  a  reply  by  return  of 
mail." 

As  this  letter  made  its  designed  impression  upon  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  173 

decisions  of  Mr.  Taylor,  we  find  him  immediately  ad- 
justing his  concerns  to  leave  New-Haven  for  New- 
York. 

Henceforth,  we  shall  contemplate  him  on  his  course, 
through  the  medium  of  his  letters.  They  will  be  in- 
serted in  connexion  with  some  from  his  friends,  that  the 
thread  of  his  way  may  be  unbroken,  and  that  the  inci- 
dents, and  sympathies,  his  musings  by  the  way-side,  in 
the  parlour,  on  shipboard,  and  on  the  couch  of  friend- 
ship, or  debility  and  death,  may  be  presented  as  they 
occurred  in  his  journeyings,  or  awoke  in  his  hours  of 
solitude,  sociability,  loneliness,  and  devotion. 

To  the  letter  of  his  brother,  as  above,  he  immediately 
returned  the  following  hasty  note  : 

"  New-Haven,  Friday,  A.  M. 
"  Your  letter,  my  dear  brother,  before  I  had  perused 
half  its  contents,  entered  my  very  heart,  and  awakened 
my  liveliest  emotions.  Indeed  I  believe  you  ever  seek 
my  best  interests.  I  feel  ready  to  comply,  though  it 
has  been  with  a  broken  heart ;  now,  I  conclude  it  is 
best.  Dr.  Taylor  coincides ;  and  you  may  expect  me 
by  the  middle  of  next  week.  Should  it  be  pleasant  on 
Monday,  I  calculate  to  set  out  for  New-York. 

"  Though  I  did  not  expect  the  letter  since  our  inter- 
view, I  yet  feel  entirely  reconciled,  and  subject  myself 
to  the  counsel  of  those  I  love. 

"  In  haste,  "  James." 

15* 


r 


174  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY   OF 

The  time  was  now  come  when  he  was  to  leave  New- 
Haven,  a  spot  dear  in  his  associations,  studies,  and 
friendships.  And  well  it  might  call  forth  the  most  ten- 
der feelings  under  the  circumstances  now  attending  his 
departure,  conscious  as  his  diminishing  strength  must 
have  rendered  him  of  the  fact,  that  he  was  liable  at  al- 
most any  moment,  to  be  prostrated  beyond  the  powers 
of  recovery.  Ke  arranged  his  books.  He  consumed 
many  of  his  private  papers.  He  said  his  adieus  to  his 
friends.  The  last  morning  of  his  stay  arrived,  and  he 
knelt  in  his  usual  kneeling  spot  for  the  last  time ;  and 
then,  at  the  door,  gave  the  parting  hand  to  some  who 
waited  his  leaving  with  a  swelling  heart,  as  he  mounted 
his  horse  and  bowed  his  kind  good-by.  A  smile  was 
even  then  on  his  hp,  which  nothing  could  destroy,  and 
now  betokened  inexpressibly  his  confidence  in  God, 
mingled  with  a  pathos  of  sentiment  which  was  too  holy 
and  hallowed  for  aught  else,  than  the  eye  of  a  doting 
and  Christian  friendship. 

What  were  the  feelings  of  Mr.  Taylor,  as  the  late 
home  where  he  had  indulged  his  many  joyous  anticipa 
tions,  and  sorrowful  apprehensions,  receded  from  his 
view,  we  may  gather  from  the  following  letter  which  he 
addressed  to  a  friend,  from  the  house  where  he  stopped 
the  first  night  after  his  leaving  New-Haven  : 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  175 

"  Stamford,  January  30,  1828. 
("  On  my  way  to  New-York.) 
"  Dear  W.  : 

"  Say  you,  why  on  my  way  to  New-York  1  It  is  not 
a  project  of  my  own ;  but  kind  friends  have  issued  their 
commands,  and  bid  me  pack  up  and  be  on  my  way  from 
that  choice  spot  of  happy  associations.  Thus  far  I 
have  comphed. 

"  On  Friday  last,  I  received  a  letter  from  my  brother 
K.,  urging  me  to  relinquish  my  studies,  mount  my 
poney,  and  ride  to  New-York.  From  there  to  Phila- 
delphia, Washington,  Richmond,  and  so  on  to  Prince- 
Edward,  where  you  know  is  Dr.  Rice's  Seminary,  and 
where,  if  I  should  think  best,  I  may  remain  two  or  three 
months,  more  or  less.  ' 

"  Now,  this  is  all  great  and  overflowing  kindness. 
But,  my  dear  brother,  at  first  my  heart  rather  revolted  at 
the  idea  of  going.  Before  I  finished  the  letter,  however, 
I  could  not  say  aught  why  I  should  remain.  I  felt  that 
I  should  do  violence  to  the  feelings  of  others  if  I  did  not 
go ;  and  now  it  would  be  a  disappointment  to  my  own 
feehngs  not  to  go.  How  different  from  what  I  felt  two 
months  since.  Then  it  seemed  impossible  to  leave. 
You  remember  the  reason.  It  was  the  burning  desire 
to  live  and  preach  the  Gospel.  I  wished  to  remain  and 
prepare  for  it.  Since  then,  however,  this  intense  long- 
ing has  given  place  to  a  calmness  of  soul,  which  sweetly 
rests  in  the  will  of  God  —  not  so  solicitous  to  live  and 


176  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

preach  the  Gospel,  but  that  I  rather  desire  that  Christ, 
who  is  the  Lord  of  the  vineyard,  should  dispose  of  me  as 
his  best  system  requires. 

"Thus  you  see  how  sweetly  I  have  been  fitted  to 
leave  all.  Indeed,  I  go  as  cheerfully  as  I  would  into 
the  pulpit.  I  feel  all  the  calmness  and  composure  which 
result  from  a  consciousness  of  doing  the  will  of  God. 
Therefore,  rejoice  with  me,  my  loving  brother,  and  be 
happy  in  the  thought  that  I  am  put  aside  for  the  present. 
Put  aside  !  I  am  disposed  to  think  that  this  turning  me 
aside  is  to  turn  greatly  to  my  account.  To  my  account  I 
I  hope  to  Zion's  account. 

"  Who  can  say  that  my  journey  is  not  that  I  may  sur- 
vey fields  of  labour,  which  otherwise  would  not  appear 
inviting  ?  who  can  say  that  a  link  is  not  to  be  made  out 
of  this  change  of  circumstances  not  the  least  important 
—  nay  a  swivel  in  the  chain  of  my  preparation,  and  one, 
without  which,  the  twisted  chain  would  break  1 

"  D.o  you  know  that  Mr.  Nettleton  accompanied  Dr. 
Rice  to  the  South  ?  And  think  you  it  would  injure  me 
to  spend  a  few  of  my  anticipated  leisure  weeks  beside 
him,  asking  questions? 

"Brother  W.,  I  love  you.  Your  name  I  often  re- 
peat. And  be  assured  I  sometimes  say,  *  Lord  bless 
my  friend.' 

"  I  now  go  out  not  knowing  the  result.  I  go,  perhaps, 
to  recover  my  health.  This  is  my  primary  object.  I 
go,  perhaps,  to  die.     Well  —  I  have  the  sweet  prospect 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  177 

of  yet  mingling  with  the  holy  in  heaven.  Never,  never 
have  I  had  happier  days  than  since  I  saw  you.  I 
verily  believe  I  have  been  on  Mount  Clear,  and  spied 
out  the  Canaan  that  we  love. 

"  I  need  not  tell  you,  that  to  leave  New- Haven  friends 
was  trying.  Having  parted  with  them  yesterday  morn- 
ing, I  ascended  the  hill  which  overlooks  the  city,  two 
miles  distant,  weeping.  I  turned  my  horse,  and  as  I 
gazed  on  those  lovely  spires,  and  thought  of  friends, 
I  sang, 

'Farewell!  farewell!  I  must  be  gone, 
My  home  no  longer  is  witL  you ; 
But  far  away  must  travel  on, 
Yet  oft,  full  oft,  will  think  of  you. 
But  onward  still  to  Canaan's  land 
Alike  we'll  seek  the  peaceful  shore, 
Where  pain  its  antedote  shall  find 
And  friendship's  bosom  bleed  no  more.' 

"  Yours  in  the  best  bonds, 

"  James  B.  Taylor." 

"  My  health  is  no  worse.  Old  General  Pain,  how- 
ever, whom  I  have  so  long  served,  does  not  yet  dis- 
charge me,  and  seldom  even  grants  me  a  furlough  for  a 
day.  This  is  not  by  way  of  complaint.  Far  from  it. 
Such  service  has  had  its  sweet  with  its  bitter.  You 
know  what  I  mean.     Should  I  desert  the  corps  of  vali- 


178  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY  OF 

tudinarians  during  my  march  Southward,  I  shall  hope  to 
fall  into  the  ranks  of  the  army  of  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  to 
do  the  greater  execution. 

"  I  left  them  all  well  at  our  good  home,  in  New- 
Haven.  I  am  now  seated  beside  a  good  hickory  fire, 
enjoying  my  lodging-room  alone.  Were  brother  W.  to 
enter,  I  would  give  him  my  right  hand,  with  a  hearty 
welcome.     But,  until  the  pleasant  interview — adieu. 

"  J.  U.  T. 

"  I  may  embark  from  New- York  for  Charleston,  or 
Cuba.     Determine  when  I  reach  New- York." 

Mr.  Taylor  having  reached  his  brother's  in  Bond- 
street,  New- York,  he  returned  the  succeeding  letters  to 
friends  in  New-Haven,  and  at  the  Hill : 

"  New- York,  February  2d,  1828. 
*'My  friends  in  New-Haven,  I  doubt  not,  will  be  glad  to 
hear  from  me,  though  they  may  wonder  at  my  so  late  date 
from  this  city.  I  little  thought  of  remaining  so  long  as  I 
have.  But  my  physicians  have  induced  me  to  stay  thus 
long,  and  under  God  I  am  glad  to  attribute  relief  to 
them.  Believe  me,  when  I  tell  you,  that  I  am  freed 
from  that  piercing  anguish  of  which  I  spoke  in  my  letter. 
It  is  gone.  Perhaps  not  to  return.  Now,  I  feel  myself 
gaining  every  half  day.  Instead  of  groans  and  sleep- 
less nights,  you  might  hear,  were  you  beside  me,  only 
the  calm  breathings  of  soft  slumber.     Is  not  this  much  ? 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  179 

So  much,  that  I  fondly  anticipate  the  day  when  I  shall 
stand  on  the  watch-tower  and  sound  the  alarm. 

"  My  present  calculation  is,  to  embark  on  Thursday 
of  next  week  for  Charleston,  accompanied  by  horse  and 
gig.  Thence  I  expect  to  return  by  land  to  New-York 
—  perhaps,  I  may  pass  through  some  of  the  Western 
States.  Should  you  wish  to  write  Mrs.  F.,  I  should 
very  gladly  be  the  bearer.  Perhaps  Mrs.  B.  would  like 
to  send  letters. 

"  May  I  not  hear  from  a  home  so  endeared  to  me, 
before  I  shall  sail  1  The  thousand  endearing  ties  still 
enchain  me,  in  affection,  to  that  green  spot. 

"Love  to  your  household — to  Zion's  friends  and 
mine  —  cannot  specify.     In  haste,  as  ever, 

J.  B.  Taylor. 

"  A  letter  from  Virginia  mentions,  that  Mr.  Nettle- 
ton  accompanied  Dr.  Rice,  and  that  he  has  been  labour- 
ing with  acceptance  and  with  some  power.  I  may  see 
him." 

"  New- York,  February  3d,  1828. 
"Having left  New-Haven,  T  proceeded  to  Bridgeport, 
calling  upon  friends  in  Stratford.  My  ride  was  accord- 
ing to  the  prescription  given  to  valetudinarians — fa~ 
tigued,  but  not  exhausted.  After  a  cup  of  tea,  I  retired 
and  slept  most  sweetly.  The  succeeding  day,  I  reach- 
ed Norwalk.     Thence,  on  Thursday,  I  came  to  New- 


180  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY   OF 

Rochelle.     On  Friday,  about  noon,  I  reached  Bond- 
street.     All  well. 

"  Nothing  worthy  of  note  occurred  by  the  way. 
Please  say  to  friend  L.  that  I  called  on  his  patriarchal 
grandsire,  and  was  not  a  little  gratified  the  hour  I  spent 
around  his  fireside. 

"  On  the  road,  I  overtook  a  solid-looking  tar,  with  a 
bundle,  —  his  little  all,  —  upon  his  shoulders.  I  hailed 
him.  He  answered.  I  found  him  in  distress.  After 
having  afforded  him  relief,  I  gained  a  little  of  his  history. 
Twelve  years  he  was  a  slave  to  the  Algerines.  He  was 
becalmed  in  a  brig  when  off  Algiers,  and  a  galley  cap- 
tured them,  took  them  in,  and  made  them  work  in  the 
quarries,  getting  out  stone  for  the  fortresses  of  the 
Bashaw.  He  must  have  suffered  much,  from  his  repre- 
sentations. 

"  Another  pitiful  object  I  overtook  on  the  road.  Do 
you  not  think  that  we  should  enjoy  more  of  that  happi- 
ness which  flows  from  benevolent  action  by  anticipating 
the  wants  of  the  necessitous,  rather  than  waiting  for 
them  to  make  known  their  distresses,  and  then  making 
their  apologies  for  their  solicitations  ? 

"  James  B.  T.,  2d,  is  quite  unwell.  All  well  at  J's. 
I  shall  probably  remain  here  some  eight  or  ten  days 
longer,  before  I  go  South.  With  these  items,  give  my 
love  to  my  several  friends. 

"  James." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  181 

"New-York,  25th  February,  1828. 

"  My  dear  Parents  : 
"  I  feel  that  you  have  been  kept  in  suspense  a  long 
time ;  but  I  could  not  have  said  much  had  I  written  be- 
fore. Upon  my  arrival  in  New-York,  about  two  weeks 
after  I  left  you,  I  informed  you  of  the  ill-state  I  was 
then  in.  I  am  glad  to  assure  you  that  I  am  greatly  re- 
lieved. Nearly  a  week  has  elapsed,  and  I  have  not 
been  goaded  by  that  pain^^under  which  you'have  seen  me 
writhe.  What  I  must  yet  contend  with  for  a  season, 
is  a  debiUty  in  the  back,  the  effect  of  so  much  severe, 
and  long  continued  distress.  This  relief  from  pain  is 
cause  for  gratitude,  and  I  begin  to  feel  that  1  may  yet 
recover  and  stand  on  the  watch-tower. 

"  Should  I  arrive  at  Charleston  after  the  usual  pas- 
sage of  five  or  seven  days,  I  shall  find  the  climate  of 
May  in  Connecticut ;  and  as  I  travel  northward,  bring 
it  with  me.     They  have  already  had  peas  in  Charleston. 

"  I  feel  much  stronger  than  when  I  was  with  you ; 
and  will  pray  and  hope  that  journeying  will  gather  a 
little  flesh  upon  my  bones,  colour  in  my  face,  and  vigour 
to  my  constitution. 

"  Brother  K.  takes  the  interest  in  my  welfare  which 
springs  from  a  brother's  overflowing  kindness.     All  well 
as  usual,  except  little  J.     Love  to  the  children. 
"  Affectionately,  your  Son, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 


16 


182  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"New- York,  February,  1828. 

"  Dear  F. 

"  If  only  a  line  or  two,  you  will  be  glad  to  hear  from 
me.  I  am  in  the  doctor's  hands,  who  thinks  that  he 
will  make  the  sick  well. 

"I  probably  shall  remain  in  New- York  some  days 
yet.  When  *  far  away,'  if  not  before,  you  will  hear 
from  me. 

"  Inclosed  you  have  $  —  for ,  which  a  person 

gave  me  for  the  man  who  was  living  upon  bread  and 
water.  No  names  were  mentioned.  You  will  hand  it 
to  him.  His  case  only  was  narrated.  The  first  appli- 
cation —  but  not  the  last.     Remember  me  to  him. 

"  Nothing  new,  save  the  morning  papers  say  Gover- 
nor Clinton  died  on  Thursday  evening. 

"Last  evening  received  an  i7iviie  to  attend  a  wedding 

—  Miss  Ellen .     If  I  am  not  too  stiff  in  the  back, 

shall  go,  etc.  etc. 

"  Tell  the  doctors  that  I  have  been  worse  in  New- 
York.     I  add  ^  —  for .     Mr.  Brewster  gave  it. 

"  Your  brother,  and  with  great  love, 

"J.  B.  T." 

"  New-York,  28th  February,  1828. 
"  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P. 
"  Friends  very  dear.     Having  left  New-Haven,  t 
am  thus  far  on  my  way  to  the  South.     Ere  this,  I  anti- 
cipated the  pleasure  of  once  more  seeing  you  at  your 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR,  183 

mansion.  My  calculations  were  to  travel  by  land,  but 
owing  to  the  season  of  the  year  and  badness  of  the  roads, 
I  have  concluded  to  embark  for  Charleston,  S.  C,  ac- 
companied by  horse  and  gig.  Thence  I  expect  to  re- 
turn to  New-York  by  land,  passing  through,  perhaps, 
some  of  the  Western  States.  My  first  stopping  place 
will  be  at  Dr.  Rice's  Seminary,  where  I  may  remain  one 
month  or  more. 

"  The  primary  object  of  my  leaving,  is  to  recover  my 
health.  Since  I  saw  you  I  have  been  an  invalid.  The 
attack  which  proved  so  severe  a  year  ago,  last  Autumn, 
was  commenced  when  with  you  last.  On  my  return  to 
New-York,  I  was  seized  violently.  I  have  not  been 
well  since. 

"  The  past  winter  I  have  been  racked  with  pain,  so 
much  so,  that  till  within  ten  days,  I  have  not  had  a  com- 
fortable night's  rest.  This  has  produced  a  debility  that 
was  threatening,  and  were  I  to  continue  at  my  studies, 
probably  I  should  not  recover.  I  have,  therefore,  left  all, 
and  now  make  health  the  prime  object  of  my  search. 
My  physician  has  done  much  for  me  by  his  prescriptions 
since  my  arrival  in  New-York.  So  much  that  I  am  re- 
lieved from  that  sword-like  pain  which  so  often  pierced 
me.     Every  half  day  I  think  I  am  gaining. 

"Should  I  arrive  safely  at  Charleston,  and  be  pros- 
pered in  my  journey,  I  shall  hope  to  meet  you  in  due 
time,  with  an  invigorated  constitution. 

**  A  letter  from  you  would  reach  me  at  Charleston,  if 


184  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 

written  soon.  And  to  speak  nothing  of  my  due  in  this 
respect,  how  gladly  would  I  break  the  seal  of  an  epistle 
from  friends  I  so  much  love. 

"I  presume  a  joint  letter  from  Resseau  and  myself 
was  received  by  Mr.  P.  while  he  was  at  the  West. 
Please  let  Mr.  Brown  know  these  facts,  with  my  affec- 
tionate regards  to  himself  and  Mrs.  B. 

"  In  haste,  yours  truly, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

To  J.  B.  T. 

"  New-Haven,  February,  1828. 

"  Presuming  you  may  receive  this  before  you  leave 
for  the  South,  I  send  you  a  few  lines  in  reply  to  your 
acceptable  note. 

"  I  was  glad  to  hear  of  your  pleasant  jaunt  to  New- 
York.  You  will,  of  course,  tell  us  of  the  modus  oper- 
andi of  your  travelling  equipage,  and  a  thousand  things 
associated  with  the  wheel  and  axle. 

"  1  noted  your  kind  regards  for  the  beggars^  or  rather 
from  your  management,  the  recipiants  of  your  gifts. 
Your  question,  I  think,  admits  of  no  doubt,  my  senti- 
ment on  the  subject  of  the  poor-laws  notwithstanding.  I 
much  mistake  —  or  similar  scenes  on  the  road  will  prove 
an  additional  rivulet  to  swell  what  we  pray  may  be  a 
large  stream,  which  shall  contribute  to  your  pleasures 
in  your  absence.     What  emotion  is  so  hallowed  as  that 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  185 

of  sympathy,  which  awakes  in  a  benevolent  heart  over 
the  distresses  of  another?  And  a  kind  word  and  a 
few  pence  will  often  purchase  for  us  the  enviable  emo- 
tion which  results  from  the  consciousness  of  making  a 
distressed  man  forget,  for  a  moment  at  least,  his  wretch- 
edness and  sorrow.  There  is  philosophy  in  these  things 
as  well  as  piety,  not  now  to  trouble  you  with  a  disquisi- 
tion after  the  manner  of  the  doctors. 

"  An  hour  or  two  with  you  here  this  lovely  morning 
would  give  to  its  beauties  a  double  charm.  Pray,  what 
has  become  of  our  winter?  The  Southren  skies  seem 
to  be  on  a  tour  over  our  Eastern  hills. 

"  I  design  to  pay  my  compliments  to  some  of  your 
friends  this  P.  M.  The  good  people  here  are  very 
kind  in  their  inquiries  after  our  mutual  friend  James  B. 
Taylor.     Farewell. 


"  Your  friends  are  all  well,  I  believe ;  and  the  next 
time  I  write,  I  suppose  my  letter  will  team  with  love 
from  the  Connecticut-people,  and  regards,  respects, 
etc.  etc.,  from  those  who  talk  properly.  However,  I 
mean  no  reflections.  Of  all  the  world  in  Christendom 
and  Wooster-streetj  give  me  Old  Connecticut  still,  al- 
though they  say  that  some  of  their  ugliest  clever  ladies 
are  pretty,  and  with  K.  J.,  their  divines  stick  to  the 
nat'ral. 


16* 


186  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

To  J.  B.  T. 

«  New-Haven,  March  2d,  1828. 
"  I  secure  a  few  moments  to  give  you  a  reply  to 
your  last.     I  have  thought  of  you  often,  and  as  fre- 
quently wished  to  hear  from  you. 

**  It  will  give  you  pleasure  to  learn  that  the  state  of 
religious  feeling  in  New-Haven  at  this  time  is  deeper 
than  usual.  Your  friend  has  his  meetings  on  Saturday 
evenings.  They  are  well  attended  by  the  young  peo- 
ple. I  was  present  at  his  last,  and  was  pleased ;  but 
think  he  talks  rather  too  learnedly  for  the  greatest  effect. 
He  uses  the  words  momentum,  illogical,  and  premises ; 
and  besides,  was  too  long.  *  I  thought  he  never  would 
get  through,'  said  some  young  people,  (crazy  heads  and 
hard  hearts  of  course,)  as  I  passed  up  the  street. 

*'  In  college,  there  appears  to  be  more  than  the  usual 
degree  of  religious  feeling.  Some  of  the  students  are 
not  without  thoughts  on  the  subject  of  religion,  with 
reference  to  their  personal  responsibilities.  May  God 
in  his  kindness  lead  them  to  Christ  Jesus. 

*'Your  friend  T.  was  here  two  days  since.  He 
wished  much  to  see  you.  He  has  been  labouring  in 
Massachusetts.  He  looks  a  thousand  times  better  in 
health,  and,  I  suppose,  feels  in  spirits,  in  the  same 
ratio.  He  thinks  that  you  may  have  much  that  would 
be  interesting  to  him  in  his  new  situation  as  a  pastor  — 
in  religious  anecdotes,  for  instance  —  and  what  would 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  187 

tell  before  a  committee  of  Ways  and  Means.  Write 
him  if  you  can.  He  desired  me  to  say  thus  to  you  for 
him. 

"  Several  of  your  friends  desire  their  remembrance 
to  you,  when  I  write.  Indeed,  I  believe  you  are  the 
favourite  of  all  the  widows  and  orphans  here  —  ay  — 
and  of  a  good  many  others  besides,  Christians  and 
infidels,  if  you  chanced  to  have  an  acquaintance  with 
any  of  the  latter  class.  *Pure  religion  and  undefiled 
before  God  is  this,  to  visit  the  fatherless  and  the  widow 
in  their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspotted  from 
the  world.' 

**  I  have  written  this  in  haste.  Pray  let  me  hear  from 
you  again  soon. 

'  The  snows  of  yesterday  are  gone, 

The  sunbeams  freely  play, 
The  blue-bird  flutters  o'er  the  lawn 
And  carrols  sweet  its  lay.' 

"This  last  sentiment  of  your  friend  H.,  I  suppose 
one  may  say,  might  give  one  to  think  about  spring- 
dandelions. 

To  J.  B.  T. 

"  New-Haven,  March  3,  1828. 
"  Dear  Mr.  Taylor  : 

"  We  sjliidly  unfolded  your  first  kind  letter,  and  eagerly 
passed  from  line  to  line  to  know  of  your  estate  and 
prospect  of  health ;  and  we  laid  it  down  with  hearts 


188  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

overflowing  with  emotions  of  which  you  can  conceive 
more  easily  than  I  describe.  We  did  so  fear  that  the 
efforts  of  your  kind  friends,  and  the  skill  of  physicians, 
could  not  long  detain  the  spirit  which  seemed  labouring 
to  be  emancipated  from  a  tenement,  whose  tendencies 
were  so  much  towards  pain  and  decay.  But  to-day,  by 
the  perusal  of  your  last  favour,  our  feehngs  are  wrought 
up  to  no  ordinary  tension  in  hearing  of  your  comfortable 
state,  and  with  the  cherished  hope  that  you  are  for  a 
long  time  to  come,  to  be  given  back  to  health  ;  to  your 
friends,  to  the  church.  I  have  hardly  felt  my  spirits  so 
raised  since  you  went  away.  I  need  not  say  to  you, 
what  is  their  ordinary  tone. 

";I  wish  I  had  something  good  to  say  to  you  of  myself; 
but  I  will  try  not  to  detail  any  thing  that  would  give  pain  to 
a  heart  of  so  much  Christian  kindness  and  sympathy  as 
yours.  I  may  say  something,  that  will  cheer  you  re- 
specting the  religious  prospects  of  this  community. 
You  are  aware  that  the  Conference  of  the  churches  met 
here  with  the  North  Church  two  weeks  since.  That 
meeting,  in  connexion  with  the  previous  steps  of  prepa- 
ration, has  seemed  to  give  an  impulse  to  the  community, 
which  I  have  not  observed  before.  The  people  seem 
to  be  in  an  attitude  of  expectation  and  prayer ;  and  a 
solemnity  prevails,  such  as  has  rarely  visited  this  city. 
Scarce  a  day  since  the  Conference,  in  which  we  have 
not  heard  of  some  hopeful  conversion. 

Meetings  are  wonderfully  multiplied  and  crowded.    I 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  189 

have  heard  of  several  cases  of  particular  interest  —  have 
time  to  name  only  one.  A  young  lady  was  invited  to  a 
ball  the  week  of  the  Conference.  She  felt  some  con- 
victions, but  was  induced  to  go  —  was  wretched,  and  re- 
turned early  home,  and  as  soon  as  the  gentleman  who 
attended  her  left,  she  threw  herself  upon  the  floor  in  the 
most  intense  agony  of  spirit,  and  continued  praying  and 
crying  aloud  all  night ;  and  for  several  succeeding  days 
was  perfectly  deranged.  She  is  now  calm,  and  those 
who  have  seen  her,  say  she  is  in  a  hopeful  state  of 
mind. 

"  We  cannot  doubt  but  the  Spirit  of  God  is  here. 
Many  cases,  besides  the  above,  evince  it.  The  minis- 
ters, this  week,  appointed  a  joint  meeting  of  inquiry  in 
the  lecture-roon^.  I  believe  Dr.  Taylor  has  a  meeting 
of  this  kind  in  college.  I  mention  these  things  to  you, 
because  you  have  a  regard  for  New-Haven-concerns. 
I  am  aware  it  would  be  rash  to  say  so  much  to  a  stran- 
ger, at  the  present  time.  I  think  I  have  some  present 
desire  to  be  a  participant  of  these  blessed  influences, 
which  are  attendant  with  so  many  mercies  upon  this 
people. 

"  Dear  friend,  you  will  allow  me  to  express  the  grati- 
tude I  feel  for  your  so  kindly  interesting  yourself  in  my 
behalf.  A  heart  smitten  as  mine  has  been,  and  cast 
unprotected  upon  a  world,  cold,  selfish,  unbefriending, 
feels  with  a  deeper  intensity  such  acts  of  kindness. 
May  God  reward  you  for  this,  and  for  every  act  of  kind- 


190  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

ness  toward  any  of  the  mournful  sisterhood,  to  which  I 
belong. 

"  You  are  going  to  the  South  in  pursuit  of  health. 
We  are  all  glad,  being  persuaded  it  is  the  best  course. 
Our  best  wishes  and  prayers  attend  you,  and  we  know 
that  the  '  Shepherd  of  Israel,  who  never  slumbereth  nor 
sleepeth,'  will  go  with  you,  watch  over  you,  sustain  and 
keep  you  —  and  we  trust,  we  trust  in  his  good  time  will 
bring  you  back  in  safety  and  health. 

"  Our  family,  'jointly  and  severally,'  desire  an  affec- 
tionate remembrance.  Since  you  kindly  proffer,  I  will 
trouble  you  with  a  letter  to  Mrs.  F.  This  has  been 
scribbled  with  many  interruptions.  You  must  excuse 
all,  from  your  sister- friend,  (if  you  give  me  leave.) 


"  N.  B.  Dr.  Taylor  had  twenty  at  his  meeting  of 
inquiry  to-night.  Last  night  there  were  as  many  amid 
the  pitiless  storm  of  rain,  at  the  lecture-room.     Pray 

for  us  — and  for  me  and  my  orphan.     Dear  Mrs. 

and  family  are  well,  and  requested  us,  when  we  wrote, 
to  remember  them  very  affectionately  to  you.  They 
aro  not  able  yet  to  forget  you.  We  thank  you  for 
indulging  us  to  hear  of  •  your  weal  and  wo.'  Will  you 
indulge  us  yet  again,  and  let  us  know  how  it  fares  with 
you  at  Charleston,  and  onward." 

To  his  Brother  F.  W.  T. 

"  6th  March,  1828. 
"  I  am  summoned  to  be  on  board  the  Othello,  Capt. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  191 

Thorpe,  at  two  o'clock,  this  P.M.  I  think  I  am  better 
than  when  I  wrote  last.  Can  step  much  more  firmly. 
Prospectively,  things  are  favourable.  Brother  K.  pur- 
chased a  horse  yesterday  to  subserve  my  health.  He 
is  young  —  five  years  old  —  looks  as  if  he  would  roll 
me  from  Charleston  hither. 

"  In  haste  —  Good-by, 
and  with  a  heart  of  love. 

"J.  B.  T." 
*'  Your  letter  reached  me  yesterday.     Remember  mc 
to  friends." 

This  is  the  last  note  penned  by  Mr.  Taylor  before  he 
went  on  ship-board.  The  vessel  left  her  moorings, 
glided  down  the  stream,  and  soon  passed  out  through 
the  Narrows  to  sea !  The  following  note  was  returned 
by  the  pilot-boat : 

"  Within  a  little  of  Sandy-Hook, 
Thursday,  7  o'clock,  P.  M. 
"  Dear,  dear  brother : 

"  I  did  not  think  to  write  you  so  soon,  but  as  the  pilot 
is  about  to  leave  us,  you  shall  have  the  first  line. 

"  Our  number  of  passengers  is  ten.  Mr.  Kindsman 
I  find  very  companionable.  There  are  two  or  three 
actors.  The  captain  we  find  to  be  a  professor  of  reli- 
gion.    At  the  table  he  called  on  me  to  ask  a  blessing. 


192  TRIBUTE   TO  JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR. 

Impression  so  favourable  as  to  lead  us  to  hope  that  a 
good  influence  may  be  produced. 

"  Under  a  thousand  renewed  obligations, 

"Yours,  truly,  J.  B.  T." 

"7th  March,  1828." 


SECTION    XI. 


We  have  now  followed  Mr.  Taylor  until  he  has  passed 
his  last  adieus  to  his  kindred  and  friends,  and  committed 
himself  to  the  sea  on  a  voyage  to  the  South  in  search  of 
milder  climes,  and  with  hopes  that  the  projected  course 
which  the  solicitude  of  friends  marked  out  for  him  to 
traverse,  would  reinstate  him  in  the  possession  of  lost 
health,  and  freedom  from  debility  and  pain  which  had 
attended  him  for  so  many  months.  How  far  these  hopes 
were  realized  or  proved  fallacious,  will  be  developed  by 
the  letters  which  he  sent  to  his  friends  on  his  travels, 
written  often  under  great  fatigue  after  his  day's  journey, 
but  always  with  feelings  flowing  from  an  affectionate 
and  devout  heart.     By  these  letters  we  shall  pursue 
him  on  his  course,  and  yield  him  our  sympathies  as  he 
records   the  *'  bitter  and  the  sweet "   of  his  way,  and 
mingles  on  the  same  page  the  joys  and  the  woes  of  a 
heart  that  always  opened  its  secret  chambers  with  the 
utmost  freedom  to  his  kindred  and  friends.     He  knew 
that  he  had  their  deepest  interest  and  affection,  and  he 
unbosomed  himself  accordingly. 

We  give  these  letters  successively  as  they  were  writ- 
ten; and  they  will  themselves  lay  open  the  different 
circumstances  in  which  they  were  penned  by  the  friend, 
whom  we  shall  not  cease  to  follow  with  interest  through 
17 


194  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

the  remaining  pages  of  this  Tribute.  His  first  letter 
returned  to  his  friends  after  again  reaching  the  shore,  is 
dated  as  follows: 

"Charleston,  15th  March,  1828. 

"  Dear  Brother : 

"  At  about  eleven  o'clock,  this  A.  M.,  we  came 
along-side  the  wharf,  all  in  good  order.  Our  passage 
was  delayed  by  calms  and  head  winds,  so  as  to  take  us 
eight  days  to  reach  Charleston.  This,  however,  was  ho 
disadvantage  to  me.  Probably,  conducive  to  help  me. 
My  cough  became  less  aud  less  troublesome,  so  that 
now,  but  little  remains.  I  was  sea-sick  as  I  had  antici- 
pated that  I  should  be.  I  saw  but  few  wonders  of  the 
deep,  yet  was  quite  long  enough  on  ship-board  to 
prefer  the  land  to  the  sea. 

"  We  found  our  captain  and  mate  both  professors  of 
religion.  Some  of  your  tracts  were  distributed.  On 
Sunday  I  gave  them  a  talk  on  the  deck,  and  felt  no  in- 
convenience from  it. 

*»  A  valuable  acquaintance  I  found  in  Mr.  Kiilsman. 
A  lovely  spirit.  To  the  story  of  his  conversion,  I  lis- 
tened with  interest.  I  think  it  likely  he  will  purchase  a 
horse,  and  accompany  me  Northward.  If  so,  horse- 
back and  in  the  gig,  alternately. 

"  I  have  not  time  now  to  say  much  about  Charleston. 
Had  I  time,  I  have  seen  so  little,  as  yet,  that  my  tale 
would,  of  necessity,  be  short.     Climate,  summer-like, 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  195 

and  very  grateful.  Walk  without  surtout,  and  coat  un- 
buttoned. Fine  green  peas  —  relished  well  at  dinner. 
Corn  in  the  garden,  knee  high.  Other  things,  I  suppose, 
corresponding. 

"Fox,  (for  so  I  call  him,)  stood  the  voyage  well. 
Not  ashore  yet. 

"I  give  you  this  hasty  sketch  to  show  you,  that 
through  a  kind  Providence  I  am  safely  here.  I  have  a 
different  countenance  already.  You  would  see  a  blush- 
ing red  on  my  cheeks.  Pain  in  my  side  not  trouble- 
some. I  walked  a  mile  this  morning  with  much  less 
fatigue  than  when  in  New- York. 

"My  love  to  Eliza  and  the  children. 

"  Yours  fraternally, 

"  James  B.  Taylor. 

"  You  may  hear  from  me  again  soon." 

"  Charleston,  March  17,  1828. 

"  My  dear  Parents  : 

"  You  will  be  relieved  by  hearing  that  I  am  safely 
at  this  place.  I  arrived  on  Saturday  last,  after  a  passage 
of  eight  days.  The  voyage  was  not  at  all  rough,  yet 
enough  motion  of  the  ship  to  make  me  sea-sick. 

"  When  I  embarked  at  New-York,  I  was  introduced 
to  a  stranger,  whom  I  afterwards  found,  and  still  find  a 
valued  friend,  a  Christian  brother,  and  a  delightful  com- 
panion. Our  hearts  seemed  attuned  for  each  other's 
society.     This  gentleman  is  from  Portland,  Maine,  and 


196  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

like  myself,  is  in  search  of  health.  What  made  our 
voyage  still  more  agreeable,  was  the  circumstance  that 
our  captain  is  a  professor  of  religion,  and  favoured 
serious  things.     At  the  table  God  was  acknowledged. 

"  As  we  advanced  Southward  the  climate  became 
sensibly  more  and  more  mild.  The  day  of  my  arrival 
on  shore  we  had  a  summer's  sun.  And  you  may  imagine 
the  difference  between  this  and  the  Hill  at  this  time, 
when  I  tell  you  that  in  January,  strawberries  although 
rare,  were  picked  from  the  vines.  Now  they  have  them, 
but  so  few  that  they  ask  ^1  25  for  a  tea-saucer  full. 
In  the  garden  back  of  the  house  at  which  I  lodge,  I  saw 
corn  knee  high.  As  I  rode  out  yesterday,  I  saw  peas 
four  feet  high.     They  are  on  the  table  daily. 

"  Charleston,  as  a  city,  exceeds  my  expectations.  I 
had  conceived  of  it  as  an  indifferent  place.  There  are 
several  large  and  public  buildings.  The  streets  for  the 
most  part  are  not  paved.  It  is  a  sandy  soil.  The  black 
population  far  exceeds  the  white. 

"  The  pious,  with  whom  I  have  become  acquainted, 
I  am  pleased  with.  There  is  some  liberality  among 
them. 

"  My  dear  friend,  of  whom  I  spoke  above,  N.  Kins- 
man Esq.,  a  lawyer,  will  probably  accompany  me,  and 
so  we  shall  continue  together.  A  good  Providence 
direct  and  sustain  us. 

"  As  to  my  health,  I  hardly  know  what  to  say  —  for, 
I  fear  of  saying  too  much.     But  I  seem  to  be  so  differ- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  197 

cnt,  and  I  feel  so  different  fronn  what  I  did  at  home,  that 
I  must  say  that  I  am  another  man.  I  have  improved, 
and  I  do  pursuade  myself  that  I  am  improving,  beyond 

—  yes,  far  beyond  my  expectations.  My  countenance 
is  altered  for  the  better.  Pain  does  not  assail  me  aa 
formerly.  Food  sets  well.  Spirits  good.  I  can  put 
my  foot  down  with  a  firmer  step.  Walk  farther  and  with 
less  fatigue.  Cough  well  nigh  disappeared.  Eat  my 
allowance.  Take  no  medicine.  Weigh  132  pounds, 
etc.  etc.  I  am  quite  contented,  and  prospectively,  a 
pleasant  journey  is  before  me. 

"  Thus  you  see,  that  under  a  gracious  Providence,  I 
am  as  I  am.     Ere  mid-summer,  I  hope  you  will  see  me 

—  shall  I  say  fully  restored?  I  say  it,  conditionally  — 
the  Lord's  will  be  done. 

"  Judge  again.  I  have  written  thus  far  and  feel  no 
fatigue.  I  could  not  have  done  this,  nor  even  one  half 
of  it,  without  resting,  some  time  ago. 

♦«  March  19th.  Yesterday  called  on  Dr.  Mc  Do  well, 
to  whom  I  was  introduced  through  a  letter  from  M.  C. 
of  New-York.  I  found  him  and  family  as  is  desirable. 
Evening  was  introduced  into  a  circle  of  good  folks, 
where  I  spent  two  or  three  hours  pleasantly  —  at  Dr. 
Palmer's,  another  of  the  clergyman  in  this  city.  To  sum 
up  my  reception,  I  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  those, 
*  given  to  hospitality !' 

"  To-day,  I  have  visited  a  curiosity,  and  withal  had 
my  profile  taken.  The  horse  I  brought  with  me  I  have 
17* 


198  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY  OF 

tried  to-day  in  my  gig.  I  think  he  will  answer  my  purpose 
well.  Probably,  on  Monday  next,  we  shall  leave  this 
for  Savannah,  one  hundred  miles  south.  We  go  thither 
partly  to  see  the  city,  and  partly  so  as  not  to  go  north 
too  soon.  A  letter  from  Jeremiah  yesterday,  stated 
that  you  were  all  well.  Was  glad  to  hear  from  home. 
Ate  a  few  strawberries  which  my  friend  brought  in  yester- 
day.    They  tasted  March-like. 

"  20th.  Heard  again  from  Jeremiah.  A  ship  arrived 
yesterday,  only  seventy-five  hours  passage  from  New- 
York.  Should  you  write  me  on  the  reception  of  this, 
direct  to  Fayette ville,  N.  C.  It  takes  ten  days  for  a 
letter  to  reach  you  from  this  place. 

*'  As  you  ever  do,  so  remember  your  son  in  exile. 
Yet  though  in  exile,  in  the  paternal  hands  of  our  heavenly 
Father. 

"James." 

"  Charleston,  20th  March,  1828. 

"  My  dear  Brother : 

"  On  my  arrival  here  T  sent  you  a  note,  announcing 
the  same,  per  mail.  I  have  since  been  busy  in  deliver- 
ing letters  and  forming  new  acquaintances. 

"  Mr.  C.'s  letter  to  Dr.  Mc  D.,  introduced  me  into 
a  pleasant  retreat.     Have  met  a  delightful   circle  at 

.     The  characteristic  of  those  with  whom  I  have 

associated,  warrant  me  in  repeating  what  I  believe  to  be 
justly  said  of  the  South  Carolinians,  that  they  are  given 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  199 

to  hospitality.  This  morning  two  dishes  loaded  with 
fruit  came  in,  with  an  invitation  to  dine  to-morrow: 
Another  invitation  to  take  tea  in  the  evening.  Another 
for  the  succeeding  evening.  Another  to  dine  the  next 
day.  So  you  see,  that  although  at  a  boarding-house,  my 
seat  is  sometimes  vacant. 

"  On  Monday,  I  expect  to  leave  Charleston  for  Sa- 
vannah, one  hundred  miles  south  west.  After  remain- 
ing at  Savannah  a  few  days,  one  hundred  and  twenty 
miles  will  bring  us  to  Augusta.  I  say  us,  for  my  friend 
and  dear  brother  Mr.  Kinsman  will  accompany  me.  You 
see  how  a  kind  Providence  has  given  me  an  intelligent, 
companionable,  and  affectionate  fellow-traveller.  We 
shall  ride  as  we  may  find  it  agreeable  —  alternately  in 
the  gig  and  on  horseback.  Fox  goes  off  as  if  he  felt  it 
not  —  presses  on  the  bit  —  and  with  no  horse  have  I 
been  more  pleased.  Mr.  K.  is  a  good  horseman. 
This,  in  a  traveller,  is  an  acquisition,  if  not  an  accomplish- 
ment. Had  we  been  aware  how  often  horses  are  injur- 
ed during  the  passage,  I  think  we  would  not  have  risked 
one  on  the  sea. 

"  As  to  my  health,  I  repeat  what  I  wrote  to  the  Hill. 
I  fear  of  saying  too  much.  But  that  I  have  improved  is 
perceptible  at  half  a  glance.  Should  1  continue  to  im- 
prove as  rapidly  as  I  think  I  have  done  since  I  left  you, 
my  tour  will  do  much  indeed.  Food  relishes  well.  Eat 
my  allowance.      Can  walk  and  ride  with  much  less 


200  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY   OF 

fatigue,  and  plant  my  foot  much  more  firmly.  Mr.  K. 
thinks  I  have  gained  ten  per  cent,  since  I  left  New- 
York. 

"21st.  Went  this  morning  to  see  one  hundred  and 
eighty  human  beings  go  under  the  hammer.  The  sale, 
however,  was  postponed  till  Monday.  The  regular  sale- 
days,  Tuesdays  and  Thursday. 

"  Ate  new  potatoes  to  day  where  I  dined,  and  as  good 
venison  as  *  ever  comes  over.' 

**  The  family  with  whom  I  am  stopping  are  exceed- 
ingly attentive,  and  the  ladies  very  maternal.  Among 
the  good  things  which  reach  my  room,  every  morning 
comes  up  a  pleasant  bitter.  It  is  a  hoarhound  sirup 
with  milk  warm  from  the  cow.  This  is  considered  very 
medicinal.     ' 

Will  you  please  to  say  to  J.  that  his  letters  are  received, 
one  per  mail,  the  other  by  ship  President,  seventy-five 
hours  firom  New-York.  Should  you  write,  and  be  sure  I 
wish  to  hear  fi^om  you,  address  to  Fayetteville,  N.  C.  / 
have  pretty  much  abandoned  the  idea  of  visiting  the 
Cherokee  nation.  The  atmosphere  here  is  delightful. 
We  set  to-day  without  fire.  The  wind  since  our  arrival 
has  prevailed  from  the  north,  and  so  made  it  cooler. 
Gardens  are  flourishing.  Roses  in  bloom  —  peas  in 
abundance  —  strawberries  —  spring  vegetables.  The 
city  is  more  extensive  than  I  supposed.  Houses  high 
and  roomy.     Streets  not  paved,  except  in  a  few  in- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  201 

stances,  for  want  of  stone.     Public  buildings  respect- 
able. 

"  The  tone  of  religious  things  in  Charleston,  though 
high  in  individual  Christians,  yet  in  revival  means  I 
should  think  they  were  behind.  In  the  cause  of  Seamen 
Mr.  Brown  is  enlisted.  He  is  a  lovely  man,  and  a  man 
beloved.     I  heard  him  preach  last  Sabbath  evening. 

"  Please  say  to  Eliza  that  sweet  potatoes  are  poor,  or 
she  should  have  had  her  a  barrel  or  two. 

"  As  I  can  think  of  nothing  else,  therefore,  farewell. 
*'  Your  affectionate  brother, 
*'  James." 

In  the  preceding  letter,  Mr.  Taylor  remarks  that  he 
had  "  abandoned  the  idea  of  visiting  the  Cherokee 
nation.^^ 

When  situated  at  Lawrenceville,  in  the  early  part  of 
his  academical  studies,  he  was  by  accident,  (or  rather, 
by  his  benevolent  feelings  which  ever  enkindled  with 
best  intentions  toward  a  stranger,)  thrown  into  the  com- 
pany of  Major  Ridge,  an  Indian  chief  of  the  Cherokee 
nation.  This  chief  was  distinguished  under  General 
Jackson  in  the  Seminole  war ;  and  since,  together  with 
his  son,  John  Ridge,  has  been  conspicuous  in  the  nego- 
ciations  of  the  Indian  treaties  betweenour  government 
and  the  Cherok#BS.  Major  Ridge,  at  this  time,  1822, 
was  on  his  way  through  the  Northern  and  Eastern 
States,  designing  to  visit  his  son,  who  was  then  at  the 


202  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

Foreign-School  at  Cornwall,  Connecticut.  Unacquaint- 
ed with  the  English  language,  and  alone  on  board  of  a 
steamboat  from  Brunswick  to  New- York,  James  Tay- 
lor perceived  the  circumstances  of  the  Indian,  and  prof- 
fered to  him  his  friendship  and  assistance  in  furthering 
him  on  his  journey.  He  took  the  Indian  to  his  brothers' 
in  New-York,  and  accompanied  him  on  to  Cornwall, 
where  he  left  him. 

This  act  of  kindness  on  the  part  of  young  Taylor, 
made  a  deep  impression  on  the  mind  of  Major  Ridge, 
and  drew  from  him  a  hearty  acknowledgement  of  the 
favour,  and  a  cordial  invitation  from  him  to  visit  their 
nation,  with  assurances  that  his  act  of  friendship  and 
hospitality  should  be  reciprocated.  The  incident  led  to 
a  short  correspondence,  and  was  always  a  circumstance 
which  gave  pleasure  to  young  Taylor,  and  now,  years 
afterwards,  in  other  circumstances  and  so  unexpectedly 
while  he  was  directing  his  course  toward  the  lands  of 
the  Indian-warrior,  he  felt  that  it  would  augment  the 
pleasures  of  his  journey  to  make  a  visit  to  the  chief. 
But  it  was  found  to  be  too  far  out  of  the  line  of  his  con- 
templated rout. 

The  letters  of  these  Cherokees  will  be  introduced 
here,  with  but  one  passing  and  sad  reflection,  that  the 
time  seems  not  to  be  far  onward  when  the  dust  of  the 
last  poor  Indian  will  sleep  as  low  as  i0w  slumber  the 
relics  of  him  whose  Tribute  we  are  penning,  and  who 
took  one  of  their  number  by  the  hand  with  the  sym- 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  203 


pathies  of  a  friend,  and  the  deep  felt  interests  of  a 
Christian. 

"  Ridge's  Ferry,  Cherokee  Nation, 
"February  19,  1822. 

"  My  very  dear  Friend  : 

"  I  rejoiced  greatly  to  receive  a  letter  from  you.  I 
had  thought  we  were  far  from  each  other,  but  when  I  re- 
ceived your  letter,  it  seemed  as  if  you  were  near.  I  feel 
rejoiced  to  hear  from  you,  and  will  converse  with  you  as 
much  as  I  can  on  paper. 

"  Dear  friend,  we  were  made  acquainted  by  a  kind 
Providence,  and  I  hope  I  shall  never  forget  all  your 
kindness  to  me.  When  I  think  of  New-York  it  seems 
near,  and  I  feel  almost  as  if  there.  When  I  went  there 
I  was  a  stranger.  You  were  so  kind  as  to  be  my  guide 
and  assistant  to  the  place  where  my  son  was;  For  this 
I  am  under  great  obligations  of  gratitude.  You  not 
only  rendered  me  all  necessary  assistance  on  the  way, 
but  when  we  arrived  at  Cornwall,  you  were  so  kind  as 
to  converse  with  me  about  religion.  What  you  told  me 
I  ought  to  do,  I  am  determined  to  do.  I  think  I  can 
say  now  that  I  do  seek  the  Saviour,  but  do  not  find 
him.  I  hope  the  Lord  will  hear  my  prayers,  and  enable 
me  to  find  the  right  way.  I  thank  you  for  what  you 
said  to  me,  and  rejoice  to  think  of  it,  and  also  I  rejoice 
that  the  Missionaries  here  tell  me  the  same  thing,  and 


204  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

that  there  are  some,  even  in  this  land,  who  care  for  my 
soul. 

"  I  scarcely  know  what  to  say  that  will  be  most  im- 
portant. I  think  I  shall  always  remember  your  kind 
advice,  and  hope  we  shall  be  friends  as  long  as  we  live. 
I  am  trying  to  do  good,  and  seek  the  Lord,  and  though 
I  do  not  find  him,  I  still  hope  he  is  not  far  from  me,  but 
will  help  me  and  give  me  a  new  heart. 

"I  rejoice  to  find  by  your  letter  that  you  do  not  for- 
get me,  and  as  I  am  in  your  mind  I  hope  you  will  pray 
for  me,  as  you  did  when  I  was  with  you.  I  think  I 
shall  never  forget  you.  I  think  much  of  your  brothers 
in  New-York.  I  feel  thankful  for  all  their  kindness  to 
me.  Their  wives  also  treated  me  with  kindness.  Re- 
member me  to  them,  and  all  their  children.  I  stayed 
at  New-York  four  days.  Then  your  brothers  assisted 
me  in  finding  a  vessel  to  come  to  Savannah,  and  I  was 
but  five  days  on  my  passage.  I  enjoyed  good  health 
till  my  arrival.  But  before  I  came  home  I  attended  the 
council  of  my  nation.  I  found  my  wife  and  children 
well.  I  told  my  wife  of  all  your  kindness  to  me,  for 
which  she  is  thankful,  and  sends  her  love  to  you.  Your 
brother  made  me  a  present  of  a  glass  pipe,  and  also  a 
present  to  my  daughter  Sally.     These  arrived  safe. 

"  You  wished  me  to  tell  you  respecting  our  country. 
We  have  never  had  a  line  between  us  and  the  Creeks, 
and  have  had  some  fears  that  this  would  occasion  some 
difficulty.     But  this  is  now  amicably  settled,  and  we 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  205 

have  agreed  where  to  have  the  line.  Our  country  is 
now,  I  suspect,  about  two  hundred  miles  long,  and  per- 
haps one  hundred  and  forty  miles  wide  in  some  places, 
and  perhaps  not  so  much.  We  have,  generally,  a  good 
range  for  our  stock,  so  as  not  to  be  obliged  to  feed 
them. 

"I  feel  thankful  that  you  have  written  my  son  at 
Cornwall,  to  make  your  brother's  house  his  home  when 
at  New- York.  I  feel  as  if  he  would  be  treated  as  I  was 
when  there. 

"  I  hope  we  shall  hear  from  each  other.  I  will  en- 
deavour to  write  whenever  I  can  get  some  one  to  write 
for  me. 

**As  you  are  young,  you  may  find  it  convenient  to 
visit  our  country.  If  you  should,  I  hope  you  will  make 
my  house  your  home.  I  hope,  if  it  is  the  Saviour's  will, 
you  will  be  willing  to  come  and  visit  our  people.  If  you 
should,  you  will  be  treated  with  kindness  by  them. 

"I  hope  you  will  write  soon  to  the  Cherokee  boys 
at  Cornwall,  and  let  them  know  that  you  have  heard 
from  me. 

"  I  am  happy  to  state  that  the  schools  under  the  care 
of  the  Missionaries  in  this  country,  appear  to  prosper. 
Many  of  our  children  are  now  instructed. 

"  My  dear  friend,  I  will  now  bid  you  farewell,  and  give 
you  the  right  hand,  and  your  brothers  also. 

**  Major  Ridge.'* 


18 


206  TRIBUTE   TO  THE    MEMORY  OF 

The  preceding  letter  of  Major  Ridge,  as  the  reader 
will  have  perceived,  was  penned  by  an  amanuensis. 
The  following,  from  his  son,  is  in  the  son's  own  hand 
writing ;  and  evinces  talent  and  acquirement. 

"  Cornwall,  July  8th,  1822. 

•♦  Dear  friend,  Mr.  Taylor : 

"  I  am  under  great  obligations  to  you  for  your  ac- 
ceptable letter  of  the  19th  of  June,  and  I  should  be 
wanting  in  gratitude  should  I  pass  over  your  precious 
letters  in  silence,  which  I  hope  is  not  in  my  disposition 
to  do. 

**  I  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  a  letter  from  you  last 
fall,  giving  me  to  understand  that  my  father  had  em- 
barked, and  tendering  the  polite  invitation  of  your  dear 
brother.  I  wished  to  answer  you  then,  but  did  not 
know  where  I  should  direct  my  communication.  On 
further  consideration,  I  thought  it  best  to  defer  writing 
until  I  received  information  of  your  residence.  Please 
to  accept  of  my  sincere  thanks  for  that,  and  for  this 
which  I  have  now  the  privilege  to  answer. 

"I  have  read  your  instructive  admonitions  with  in- 
terest, and  I  feel  thankful  to  you  for  your  concern  for 
my  immortal  welfare.  But,  at  the  same  time,  I  will  not 
conceal  from  you  that  my  heart  is  stupid  and  indifferent 
to  this  subject.  I  do  not  ridicule,  nor  have  any  disposi- 
tion to  do  so,  with  the  jocularity  of  an  infidel.  Neither  do 
1  flounce  on  the  doctrines  of  the  Gospel  with  the  con- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  207 

tempt  of  the  deist.  But  you  can  conjecture  the  state  of  my 
feelings  by  looking  over  some  of  your  Gospel  hearers  in 
Lawrenceville,  who  go  to  meeting  to  please  their  friends, 
or  to  satisfy  their  curiosity,  but  at  the  same  time  are  not 
opposed.  In  short,  you  may  form  your  opinion  of  me 
by  yourself  before  conversion. 

"  We  have  animating  and  promising  news  from  the 
Cherokee  nation.  Missionaries  are  prospered,  and  the 
nation  is  coming  up  to  the  meridian  of  civilization  with 
hasty  strides,  and  seems  resolved  to  prove  to  bigoted  op- 
position, that  Indians  are  capable  of  receiving  instruc- 
tion and  the  endearments  of  polished  society. 

"  Do  you  read  the  *  Missionary  Herald  V  There  is 
an  interesting  letter  from  J.  E varts,  Esq. ,  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  the  A.  B.  C.  F.  Missions.  He  has  lately 
travelled  in  the  Cherokee  country.  He  states  that  the 
Cherokees  are  improving  in  their  buildings  and  fur- 
niture, laborious  habits  are  imbibed,  and  that  they  are 
friendly  to  the  Missionary  cause.  They  possess  a  ter- 
ritory of  ten  millions  of  acres,  large  enough  to  include 
Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and  Rhode-Island.  Their 
jurisprudence  is  well  adapted  to  their  improvement,  and 
their  judicial  and  executive  powers  are  disposed  with 
considerable  skill  and  judgement. 

"  The  American  Board,  you  know,  have  a  large  es- 
tablishment at  Brainerd,  and  the  two  local  stations, 
Tabony  and  Creek-path.  At  the  latter,  there  is  a 
church  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Potter,  and  does  well. 


208  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

At  Tabony  there  are  indications  of  seriousness  ;  and  it 
is  hoped  that  two  persons  have  lately  become  converted. 
The  indefatigable  Moravians  have  two  churches  formed, 
one  at  Springfield  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Smith,  and  the 
other  at  Ao-ge-logee  under  the  venerable  Mr.  Gambold, 
the  luminary  of  Indian  Missions.  This  establishment 
is  in  the  neighbourhood  of  my  father's  old  place.  The 
other  of  my  father's  establishments  is  at  the  Fork, 
where  he  also  has  farms  and  a  ferry,  the  place  at  which 
his  letter  to  you  was  dated.  The  Baptists  have  also 
an  establishment  of  considerable  respectability  in  that 
country.  It  is  situated  on  the  Hiwasne  river,  in  what 
is  called  the  Valley-farms,  and  contains  fifty-four 
scholars.  There  is  a  Sunday-School  Society  here,  for 
the  support  of  which  the  Cherokees  have  readily  sub- 
scribed. At  Creek-path  there  is  a  *  Female  Society  for 
assisting  youth  for  the  ministry. 

"  Here  then,  my  friend,  we  find  Indian  improvement 
sufiicient  to  stop  the  mouth  of  every  objector.  We 
here  behold  schools  in  operation,  and  Indians  pursuing 
their  studies  with  ardour,  and  as  their  teachers  say,  not 
inferior  in  talents  to  the  children  of  this  country.  Their 
system  of  laws  are  worthy  of  an  enlightened  people,  and 
are  respected  by  the  nation.  Why  may  not  a  Boniface 
arise  here,  and  carry  the  Gospel  into  the  forests  of  the 
West?  Why  may  not  a  Solon  or  a  Lycurgus  rise  here, 
and  give  an  immortal  splendour  to  the  Indian  name? 
But  should  the  Cherokees  fall  into  their  original  degra- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  209 

dation,  let  it  not  be  forgotten  that,  at  Brainerd,  Chero- 
kees  have  surrounded  the  Lord's  table,  and  have  re- 
ceived the  faith  from  the  Saviour.  Let  it  not  be  forgot- 
ten that  at  Spring-place,  a  Charles  Hicks  has  outwardly 
acknowledged  the  Redeemer  at  the  Baptismal  Font. 
Let  it  not  be  forgotten  that  Mrs.  Crutchfield,  the  first 
Cherokee  convert,  and  Mr.  John  Brown,  junior,  have 
died  in  the  faith  and  triumphed  over  death. 

"  Prejudice  is  the  ruling  passion  of  the  age.  And  an 
Indian  is  almost  considered  as  accursed.  He  is  frown- 
ed upon  by  the  meanest  peasant,  and  the  scum  of  the 
earth  are  considered  sacred  in  comparison  with  the  son 
of  nature.  If  an  Indian  is  educated  in  the  sciences 
—  has  a  good  knowledge  of  the  classics,  astronomy, 
natural,  mental,  moral,  and  political  philosophy,  and  his 
conduct  be  equally  modest  and  polite,  yet,  he  is  an 
Indian,  and  the  most  stupid  and  illiterate  farmer  will 
disdain  and  triumph  over  this  worthy  man !  It  is  dis- 
gusting to  enter  a  farmer's  house  and  be  stared  at  full  in 
the  face  by  inquisitive  ignorance. 

"I  find  that  such  prejudices  are  more  prevalent  among 
the  ignorant  than  among  the  enlightened.  And  let  a 
received  opinion  be  counteracted  by  sohd  facts,  the 
ignorant  will  still  hold  to  it,  and  carry  it  with  him  to  his 
grave. 

"  The  0-why-he-an  young  men  you  mentioned,  were 
thankful  for  your  remembrance,  and  send  their  respects 
to  you.     When  you  write  to  my  father,  direct  your  letter 
18* 


210  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

to  Major  Ridge,  Spring-place,  Cherokee  nation.  Spring- 
place  is  the  nearest  Post-Office,  and  it  is  the  place  to 
which  I  direct  my  letters.  Mr.  David  Brown  is  still 
here,  and  intends  to  prepare  himself  for  the  ministry. 

**  Please  to  accept  of  my  respectful  regards,  and  be- 
lieve me  to  be, 

"  Yours  respectfully, 
"John  Ridge. 
»  Mr.  James  B.  Taylor." 

"  City  of  Washington,  Jany.  20th,  1824. 

"  My  very  esteemed  and  dear  Friend : 

"  I  was  happy  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  9th  inst. 
which  was  enclosed  in  a  letter  from  Mr.  David  Brown 
from  Baltimore.  I  am  now  in  Washington  with  three 
other  chiefs,  on  a  mission  from  the  Cherokee  nation  to 
the  general  government. 

"  The  receipt  of  your  letter  has  made  my  heart  glad. 
The  sentiments  it  contains  are  pleasing,  and  makes  me 
feel  as  if  I  were  in  your  presence,  and  hear  you  talk,  as 
I  would  do  were  we  face  to  face.  When  I  first  met 
with  you  when  going  to  New- York,  I  was  among 
strangers,  and  you  gave  me  your  right  hand,  and  led  me 
to  where  your  relations  were,  in  New- York  city,  by 
whom  I  was  kindly  treated.  From  thence  you  led  me 
where  my  son  was.  This  disinterested  friendship  I 
duly  appreciate,  and  shall  never  forget.  Therefore, 
when  I  call  those  moments  to  recollection,  it  makes  my 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  211 

heart  warm  with  gratitude.  It  is  true  I  was  much  con- 
cerned about  my  son.  But  my  uneasiness  of  mind  was 
removed  by  finding  him  —  which  pleasure  and  happi- 
ness I  ascribe  to  an  all-wise  and  merciful  Providence. 

"  I  received  two  letters  from  you.  One  since  I  wrote 
you.  The  other  must  have  gone  out  of  the  way.  I  am 
sorry  I  did  not  answer  it  so  soon  as  it  was  my  wish  to 
have  done.  As  I  cannot  write  myself,  I  hope,  my  friend, 
you  will  not  consider  it  an  act  of  willing  neglect. 

**  My  dear  friend,  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  you  possess 
the  hope  of  heaven,  and  find  it  good  to  love  and  serve 
the  Lord.  As  it  respects  myself,  it  grieves  me  to  say 
that  I  have  not  been  so  fortunate  as  yourself,  but  I  hope 
I  shall  yet  find  the  Lord.  I  have  a  persevering  heart, 
and  shall  not  be  discouraged,  and  trust,  in  the  ^hd,  that 
my  endeavours  will  be  successful.  Our  hearts  have 
been  joined  in  friendship,  and  I  hope  our  souls  may  be 
united  in  heaven.     The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done. 

"I  shall  be  happy  to  hear  from  you  at  all  times,  and 
will  do  myself  the  pleasure  to  write  you  whenever  cir- 
cumstances permit.  My  son  John  left  here  for  Corn- 
wall some  days  ago,  and  was  so  fortunate  as  to  meet 
with  David  Brown  in  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Brown,  in 
consequence  of  a  fall  from  the  stage,  has  not  yet  arrived 
from  Baltimore.  I  hope  to  see  him  in  two  days  more. 
Mr.  Evarts  has  arrived.  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  Mr. 
Brown  is  not  rery  badly  hurt. 

"  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  our  dele- 


212  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORr    OP 

gation,  have  been  kindly  received  by  the  govern- 
ment, as  also  by  the  members  of  Congress  generally. 
Messrs.  John  Ross,  George  Lowry,  and  Elijah 
Hicks,  my  companions,  beg  leave  to  tender  their  re- 
spects to  you  as  a  friend,  though  not  personally  ac- 
quainted with  you.  Please  to  present  my  kind  respects 
to  your  brothers,  and  accept  for  yourself  the  best  wishes 
of  your  friend, 

"Major  Ridge." 

With  this  brief  deviation,  we  return  to  trace  the  con- 
tinued course  of  Mr.  Taylor,  by  a  connected  insertion  of 
his  letters  from  Charleston,  and  onward. 

"  South  Carolina,  Parker's  Ferry,  on 

Edisto  river,  27  miles  from  Charleston, 
Evening  of  26th  March,  1828. 
"  To  those  I  love  in  New-York, 

"  New-Haven,  and  Middle-Haddom  : 

*'  Seated  beside  my  friend  and  fellow-traveller, 
Mr.  K.,  I  think  of  friends  afar.  Although  more  than  a 
thousand  miles  from  some  of  you,  my  imagination  goes 
over  hill  and  dale,  river  and  ocean,  and  rests  in  happy 
musing  upon  those  loved  ones  I  have  left  behind. 
And  I  doubt  not  but  that  the  affection  of  my  dear  father 
and  mother  follows  the  footsteps  of  their  affectionate  son 
in  his  absence.  That  they,  and  others,  who  feel  an  in- 
terest in  my  weal  and  wo,  may  learn  of  my  welfare,  I 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  213 


purpose  to  send  occasional  letters  while  on  my  way,  in- 
terspersing, with  other  things,  the  bitter  and  the  sweet  of 
my  journey. 

*'  My  last  dates  were  from  Charleston.  I  left  that 
place  of  grateful  remembrances  yesterday,  P.  M.,  and 
came  nine  miles  to  Mr.  O'H.'s. 

"  A  gentleman,  who  has  been  unwearied  in  his  atten- 
tions while  at  Charleston,  accompanied  us  over  Ashley 
River,  and  took  leave  of  us  two  miles  onward.  The 
kind  hospitality  and  expressive  sympathy  I  received  at 
the  hands  of  Charleston-friends  greatly  endeared  the 
place  to  me,  and  I  find  my  heart  entwining  still,  in  kind 
affection,  around  those  whom  I  have  there  left.  Dr. 
P.'s  family  were  much  given  to  hospitality.  The  Rev. 
Messrs.  G.  and  B.  used  me  as  brethren,  and  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Mc  D.  were  not  behind  to  entertain  me.  Mr. 
O'N.  Mrs.  T.  and  Mr.  McL.,  to  whom  I  also  had 
letters,  treated  the  stanger-in-exile  as  a  brother.  Be- 
sides these,  other  acquaintances  were  formed,  which 
kept  me  busy  and  pleasantly  entertained  in  their  society. 
I  bade  them  adieu,  and  if  never  before,  I  hope  again  to 
meet  them  among  the  holy  above. 

"  A  letter  from  Dr.  McD.,  introduced  us  to  the  house 
and  generous  hospitality  of  Mr.  O'H.  During  the 
winter,  and  spring,  and  a  part  of  the  summer,  the  plant- 
ers in  the  low  country,  remain  on  their  plantations. 
But  during  what  is  called  the  sickly  season,  they  retire 
to  the  cities.     Mr,  O'H.'s  plantation  contains  about 


214  TRIBUTE    TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

six  hundred  acres.  It  produces  cotton,  rice,  and  com 
crops.  His  dwelling  and  out-houses  are  superior  to 
the  generality.  The  negroes  have  their  residences  in 
huts,  called  quarters,  at  a  distance  from  the  house.  He 
owns  about  sixty.  From  his  dwelling  you  may  over- 
look the  whole  plantation.  Mr.  O'H.  is  a  bachelor, 
but  has  with  him  his  sister  and  his  sister's  daughter. 
Be  not  apprehensive  of  my  becoming  heart  stricken 
during  my  travels,  though  I  may  sometimes  dream  of 
love's  joys,  never  having  felt  love's  miseries.  They 
gave  us  an  excellent  supper  and  breakfast.  It  tasted 
more  like  a  cup  of  good  tea  at  the  North,  than  I  have 
found  since  I  left.  After  a  good  night's  rest  and  an 
early  breakfast,  Mr.  O'H.  led  us  into  his  garden  and 
through  his  establishment  for  clearing  cotton,  and  having 
made  us  familiar  with  some  things  new  to  us,  we  after- 
wards proceeded  on  our  journey.  I  gave  them  the 
parting  hand,  reluctant  to  leave.  '  If  you,  or  your 
friends,*  said  Mr.  O'H,  *  should  ever  visit  Charleston, 
I  should  be  glad  to  see  you,  and  them.'  A  dear  and 
pleasant  retreat.  I  might  have  mentioned,  that  before 
retiring,  the  big  Bible  was  brought  out,  and  prayers  re- 
quested. The  same  in  the  morning.  We  left  some 
tracts,  which  brother  K.  put  into  my  hands,  and  these 
will  be  read  to  the  servants  when  congregated  together. 
"  It  was  a  novelty  to  me  to  see  the  negroes  grinding 
corn  by  hand.  As  Mr.  K.  said,  a  day  or  two  since, 
'  all  goes  by  singing  here.'     So  the  negroes,  a  dozen  of 


JAMES   BRAINERD  TAYOR.  215 

them,  as  they  whirl  the  rumbling  stones,  modify  their 
harmonious  noise  by  the  twanging  sound  of  their  nasal 
notes. 

**  The  gardens  are  full  of  roses.  One  species  called 
the  '  Nondescript,'  or  Cherokee  rose,  is  cultivated  here 
to  make  a  hedge.  By  putting  down  slips  two  or  three 
feet  apart,  they  become  an  impassable  barrier  in  the 
course  of  four  years.  I  wonder  they  have  not  been  in- 
troduced at  the  North.* 

"  The  church  of  this  parish  is  more  than  one  hundred 
years  old.  It  is  now  under  a  thorough  repair.  Near  it 
is  what  is  called  *  The  Club- House.'  There  the  plant- 
ers resort  once  a  fortnight,  to  consult  for  the  welfare  of 
the  vicinity.  Questions  are  asked  and  answered. 
Measures  are  adopted  to  advance  their  interests  and 
convenience.  A  patrol  is  appointed,  who  scour  the 
parish  to  keep  the  negroes  in  order,  or  rather  to  keep 
them  in  their  several  places.  If  any  are  found  off  the 
plantation  to  which  they  are  attached,  without  a  line 
from  their  master,  they  are  chastised.  The  patrol  have 
a  right  to  enter  their  houses  and  see  that  all  is  in  order. 
They  ride  armed,  during  the  night  as  well  as  in  the 
day,  and  disguised  as  to  the  object  of  their  commission. 

"  The  birds  serenade  us  sweetly.  The  mocking- 
bird, which  is  native  and  wild  here,  is  the  most  musical. 
He  is  indeed  a  perpetual  songster.  These  cost  about 
ten  dollars  in  Charleston,  but  when  young,  the  negroes 

♦  They  are  too  tender  a  shrub  for  a  Northern  latitude. 


216  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

sell  them  for  a  York-shilling,  though  it  is  somewhat 
difficult  to  raise  them. 

"  To-day,  I  have  ridden  seventeen  miles.  We  have 
stopped  at  a  fine  house,  and  being  about  to  retire,  I 
expect  to  sleep  according  to  my  fatigue. 

♦'  March  28th.  Where  we  tarried  over  the  night  of 
the  twenty-seventh,  the  man  of  the  house  was  the  pro- 
fanest  wretch  I  ever  heard  speak.  Besides  giving  tracts 
to  the  servants,  I  left  two  to  be  given  to  the  master  after 
I  had  gone.*  At  this  place,  in  the  evening,  a  negro 
came  in  and  bartered  two  quarts  of  corn  for  a  pint  of 

*  This  allusion  of  Mr.  Taylor  to  the  profanity  of  his  host,  and 
the  measure  he  pursued  to  place  suitable  tracts  into  his  hands,  re- 
minds the  writer  of  an  anecdote  told  of  him  on  an  occasion  of  hia 
going  from  New- York  to  Lawrenceville,  at  the  lime  he  was  situ- 
ated in  the  academy  at  the  latter  place. 

He  heard  a  man  swearing  boisterously,  and  to  the  great  annoy- 
ance of  all  the  passengers  of  correct  feelings  on  board  of  the  boat. 
Young  Taylor  went  to  the  person  just  previous  to  the  landing  of 
the  passengers  at  New-Brunswick.  He  asked  the  person  to  step 
aside  with  him,  and  told  him  privately  that  he  had  a  paper  for  him 
which  contained  matter  of  the  greatest  importance,  but  the  note 
was  not  to  be  opened  until  the  person  had  proceeded  some  dis- 
tance on  his  way.  The  curiosity  of  the  individual  was  consider- 
ably excited,  and  he  promised  that  the  paper  should  not  be  opened 
otherwise  than  as  requested.  Young  Taylor  then  handed  him  a 
letter,  in  which  he  had  inclosed  the  tract  call  "  The  Siccarer^s 
prayer.^*  The  person,  with  care,  put  the  letter  into  his  pocket,  and 
it  is  hoped,  though  it  is  not  known,  that  he  read  it  with  feeling 
and  profit 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAILOR. 


217 


salt.  The  principle  food  of  the  negroes  is  corn  ;  on 
rice  plantations,  it  is  rice.  Salt  they  sometimes  have, 
3o:Tietiin93  not.  The  negroes  raise,  on  grounds  allowed 
them  by  their  masters,  poultry  and  a  pig. 

*'  Yesterday  came  onward  nineteen  miles,  and  spent 
the  night.  This  morning,  after  opening  my  icindow 
shutters,  (there  were  no  glass  windows  in  my  bed-room,) 
I  was  greeted  with  a  sweet  serenade  by  the  birds.  A 
distant  human  voice,  too,  was  heard.  On  inquiry,  I 
found  it  to  be  the  custom  for  one  or  more  of  the  servants 
to  watch  a  recently  planted  field,  and  frighten  by  their 
hallooing,  the  birds  from  disturbing  the  seed.  They 
carry  a  whip  also,  which  they  crack  to  frighten  the 
winged  thieves.     The  Rice-bird  is  very  troublesome. 

"  At  the  ferry  on  Ashepoo  River,  I  met  a  captain  with 
his  schooner,  hailing  from  Middletown.*  He  expected 
to  arrive  in  Connecticut  in  about  three  weeks. 

"  There  is  very  little  variety  in  this  section  of  the 
country.  Now  and  then  you  pass  a  good  house,  but 
not  to  be  compared  at  all  with  those  at  the  North.  The 
majority  are  such  as  you  would  dislike  to  inhabit 
The  people  seem  devoid  of  taste  in  this  particular.  All 
they  study  in  architecture  is  the  arrangement  of  their 
crops,  and  in  securing  these,  an  experienced  farmer  of 
the  North  could  show  them,  I  think,  that  one  half  of  the 

♦  Middletown  is  about  six  miles  from  the  Hill,  his  father's  re- 
sidence. 


19 


218  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY   OP 

manual  labour  they  expend  would  suffice.  All  the  im- 
pliments,  or  the  chief,  by  which  they  carry  on  their  hus- 
bandry, is  the  hoe.  And  you  may  see  in  one  field 
fifteen,  twenty,  or  thirty  hands  doing  what  a  pair  of 
horses  would  accomplish  in  less  time,  and  equally  well. 
Many  of  the  negroes  (for  their  own  comfort  I  suppose,) 
work  without  a  shirt. 

"  We  stopped  to  feed  at  Coosawhatchie.  There,  the 
Baptists  had  assembled,  to  hold  what  they  call  a  union 
meeting.  They  assemble  on  Friday  —  have  two  ser- 
mons at  a  meeting  —  Three  meetings  a-day.  On  Sun- 
day, communion,  and  disperse. 

"  We  ar«  this  evening  at  a  place  called  Grahamville, 
thirty  miles  from  oitr  starting-place  this  morning.  Gra- 
hamville is  a  retreat  for  health  during  the  sickly  season. 
In  the  low-lands,  through  which  we  have  passed,  the 
whites  consider  it  not  safe  to  remain  after  the  first  week 
in  June,  until  cold  weather.  They  resort  to  places  like 
this.  From  the  appearance,  the  houses  are  for  the 
occupancy  of  the  planters  who  come  here  and  reside 
during  the  unhealthy  months.  Here,  is  a  church  — 
school-house  —  twenty  to  forty  scholars  —  tuition,  eight 
dollars  per  quarter. 

"  On  the  road  we  have  found  plenty  of  good  feed  for 
our  horses  and  for  ourselves.  Water  in  abundance, 
and  crossing  the  roads.  After  the  Southern  style,  I 
carry  a  tin-pail  to  water  my  horse,  and  a  tin- cup  to  use 
for  myself. 


Wm 


JAMES    BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  219 

ipk**  The  roads  are  excellent  for  the  most  part,  although 

not  turnpikes.     We  have  to  ride  eighteen  or  twenty 

miles  to  find  a  stopping-place.      The  roads  are  lined 

not  with  houses,  but  timber  in  the  rough,  for  houses. 

Pine  trees  prevail. 

"  29th.  Reached  Savannah  this*P.  M.,  of  which  date 

you  may  expect  to  hear. 

"P.  S.  ToK.  T. 

"  Please  enclose  and  forward  this  to  the  Hill,  when 

all  in  New- York  shall  have  read  it.     Were  I  to  write 

each,  it  would  be  saying  pretty  much  the  same  thing, 

and  doubling  the  labour. 

"  Affectionately, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

"  Savannah,  30th  March,  1828. 
(Evening.) 
"  My  dear  friends  at  the  North : 

"  At  the  close  of  my  last,  which  was  dropped  into 
the  office  to-day,  I  announced  my  safe  arrival  at  this 
place.  You  will  observe  that  we  were  on  the  road  from 
Charleston  since  Tuesday  P.  M.  We  made  an  ex- 
periment on  our  way  by  taking  turns  upon  the  saddle  and 
in  the  gig  —  riding  for  an  hour  each  way.  I  find  that  ri- 
ding on  horse-back  fatigues  my  own  back  too  much,  so 
that  when  night  comes,  the  ill  effects  are  severely  felt. 
I  could  not  have  performed  the  journey  on  the  saddle. 
I  found,  what  invalids  should  never  find,  that  it  was 


220  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY    OF 

labour  to  ride  on  horseback.  Thus,  Dr.  Smith  and 
brother  K.  judged  rightly  in  my  preparations  for  the 
journey.  The  gig  is  preferable  for  me,  at  least  for  the 
present.  It  is  a  pleasure  to  glide  along  after  Fox,  on  a 
good  road,  and  the  exercise  from  the  gig  will  probably 
do  a  kind  service  for  me. 

"  There  was  no  rain  during  the  time  we  were  travel- 
ling. The  weather  was  warm.  The  atmosphere  mild. 
I  had  no  idea  when  I  put  up  my  over-shoes  —  woolen 
muffler  —  lined  gloves — cloak  and  surtout,  that  I  should 
have  no  use  for  them.  Except  an  evening  or  1  wo,  I  have 
had  no  occasion  for  an  over-coat. 

"  To-day  I  have  attended  church  twice.  In  the  A. 
M.  heard  a  Mr.  Quarterman,  who,  nevertheless,  is  more 
than  half  a  man,  both  in  size  of  person  and  in  intellect. 
At  least,  he  would  weigh  down  two  like  myself,  and  good 
sense  pervaded  his  discourses.  I  heard  him  last  even- 
ing. He  is  settled  thirty  miles  from  this.  Of  about 
seven  hundred  members,  his  church  includes  five  hun- 
dred blacks,  who  sit  at  the  communion  table.  This  P. 
M.  joined  in  the  communion  at  the  first  Presbyterian 
Church.  This  church,  but  lately  formed,  seceded  from 
the  first  Congregational.  Though  a  *  little  band,'  it  was 
pleasant  to  be  there. 

"  The  Presbytery  at  this  time  is  in  session.  I  shall, 
consequently,  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  and  becom- 
ing acquainted  with  the  ministers  in  this  region.  They 
came,  some  of  them,  sixty,  and  some  more  miles.     Two 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  221 

Mr.  P.'s,  originally  from  Essex,  are  here.  One  settled 
in  Darien,  the  other  in  St.  Mary's.  Ministers,  I  per- 
ceive, look  hearty. 

"  On  my  arrival  at  the  dock,  (we  came  by  steamboat 
down  the  Savannah  twenty  miles,)  a  stranger,  whom  we 
approached,  conducted  us  to  a  livery  stable  for  the  dis- 
posing of  our  horses,  and  mentioned  a  house  to  which 
he  also  conducted  us  for  board.  Friends,  to  whom  we 
had  letters,  would  have  taken  us  to  the  same.  ^^  Ji 
good  Providence.  We  occupy  a  square  front-room  on 
the  second  floor  of  a  large  house,  pleasantly  situated. 
The  pride  of  China,  in  full  bloom,  shades  our  window. 
The  room  is  uncomfortable  with  the  windows  down 
As  to  heat,  it  is  June.     Good- night. 

"  April  4th.  Savannah,  of  which  I  had  conceived,  aa 
of  a  low,  pent-up,  small,  dirty  place,  is  situated  on  a 
sandy  plain,  forty  feet  above  the  river.  It  is  open,  airy, 
extending  over  considerable  ground,  streets  at  right 
angles,  and  spacious  areas  of  a  circular  form  frequently 
occurring.  One  of  these  fronts  our  window.  On  the 
whole,  the  city  of  Savannah  is  an  earthly  paradise,  in 
point  of  location  and  beauty.  The  sandy  soil  is  one 
draw-back.  The  streets  not  being  paved,  makes  it  un- 
pleasant, and  hard  work  for  one  to  get  about. 

"  The  marketing  is  done  in  the  morning  till  nine 

o*clock.      The  best  day  for  this  is  Sunday.     Then  the 

negroes  come  in  from  the  country,  and  the  variety  is  the 

greater.      They  cry  articles  about  the  street  for  sale. 

19* 


222  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 

This  system  of  things  is  demoralizing,  and  should  be 
stayed. 

"  The  house  at  which  we  stop  is  a  favourable  one  for 
invalids.  Our  landlady  yields  her  sympathies  to  her 
boarders  more  as  guests  than  as  boarders.  Should  you 
have  occasion  to  say  it,  you  may  speak  of  Mrs.  Daven- 
port's house  as  one  of  known  worth. 

*'A  Mr.  K.  —  (you  do  not  know  him,  but  brother 
Fitch  does,  who  was  in  the  same  academy  with  him  at 
Princeton,)  is  here  in  business,  and  is  married.  At  his 
table  I  dined  day  before  yesterday.  Miss  B.,  whom 
you  know,  is  here.  She  expects  to  visit  New-York  in 
a  few  weeks.  Mr.  O.  H.  H.  arrived  here  the  other 
day  from  St.  Augustine,  much  improved  in  health.  He 
leaves  this  soon  for  the  North,  by  land,  on  horse-back. 
Mr.  C.  H.  I  saw  in  Charleston.  To  me  he  never  look- 
ed better.  Rev.  Mr.  H.  of  N.  has  been  spending  part 
of  the  winter  at  Savannah.  Improved,  and  will  return 
soon.  Rev.  Mr.  B.  also  from  N.  J.  A  Mr.  K.,  stu- 
dent of  Princeton  Seminary.  A  case  of  hemorrhage. 
Better. 

*'  A  view  which  I  took  this  morning  from  the  Ex- 
change-steple  presented  before  me  a  large  extent  of 
level  surface.  Rice  plantations  exhibit  very  regular 
figures  from  their  peculiar  formation.  They  are  planting 
cotton  at  this  time.  On  some  plantations  it  is  up  and 
growing. 

"  I  have  been  invited  by  a  young  planter  to  visit  him. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  223 

and  among  other  inducements,  he  says  he  will  give  me 
a  deer-hunt.  From  this  I  must  beg  leave  to  be  excused, 
until  I  can  stick  better  to  a  horse  than  at  present. 
From  their  account,  they  go  upon  a  dead-run  —  through 
thick  and  thin  —  mire  and  mud  —  dirt  and  ditch  —  with 
gun  in  hand.  Surely  I  had  rather  eat  the  deer,  than  at 
such  an  expense,  to  take  him.  Deer  are  plenty.  A 
common  sport  to  hunt  them.  It  being  yet  further  South, 
I  declined. 

"  April  14th.  Monday.  Last  Tuesday  I  set  out  for 
Liberty  County,  to  visit  some  few  planters,  to  whom 
friends  here  gave  me  letters,  with  an  urgent  request  to 
see  that  section  of  Georgia.  About  twenty  miles  from 
this,  on  the  banks  of  the  Ogeechee  River,  lives  a  Mr. 
C,  into  whose  mansion  I  was  introduced.  I  spent  a 
part  of  two  days  with  him  and  household.  His  planta- 
tion and  its  appendages  are  exceedingly  neat,  and  sur- 
pass any  thing  that  I  have  seen.  Mr.  C.  is  a  single 
man  about  my  age.  He  is  a  graduate,  and  studied  his 
profession  in  New-Haven.  Although  he  is  not  apro- 
jessor  of  religion,  yet  he  takes  a  stand  indicative  of 
heart-f^lt  piety.  Every  night  he  meets  his  negroes  con- 
gregated for  worship.  Sings,  reads,  and  expounds  the 
Bible,  and  prays.     Jl  praise-worthy  example. 

"  In  Liberty  County,  twenty  miles  beyond  Mr.  C.'s, 
I  spent  a  little  time  at  three  different  plantations.  At 
Colonel  L.'s,  Captain  J.'s,  and  Mr.  K.'s.  On  my  ar- 
nval  at  Colonel  L.'s,  I  met  a  gentleman  advanced  in  life, 


224  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

with  a  venerable  head,  portly,  affable,  cordial,  pious. 
His  house  is  associated  with  a  refreshing  season  to  me. 
Having  retired,  fatigued,  and  with  some  pain  in  my  side, 
/  thought  on  health.  Our  sympathising  High  Priest  was 
near  to  bless  me.  The  though*  of  him  was  balm  to  my 
spirit.  I  was  fully  pursuaded  that  if  he  spake  the  word, 
his  servant  should  be  healed.  To  live  and  recover,  I 
saw  in  some  respects,  to  be  desirable,  yet  rather  than 
carry  about  a  useless  tenement,  I  felt  it  desirable  to  die 
—  yes  —  though  I  seemed  to  love  you  all  more  than 
ever,  I  felt  that  I  could  give  you  all  up,  and  die,  even 
among  strangers.  My  soul  experienced  joys  that 
elevated  me,  and  then  I  could  so  sweetly  fall  into  the 
hands  of  God  and  meltingly  say,  *  My  Father,  my 
Jesus ! ' 

*'  My  excursion,  I  think,  has  benefitted  me.  On  the 
whole,  I  am  probably  ten  to  fifteen  per  cent,  better  than 
when  I  left  New- York.  To-morrow,  we  intend  to  set 
out  for  Augusta.  Mr.  Kinsman  has  purchased  a  har- 
ness, and  his  horse  will  precede  mine.  Thus  we  now 
intend  to  travel. 

*'  Upon  the  receipt  of  this,  you  can  address  me  at 
Richmond,  Va. 

"  Affectionately, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 


^ 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR. 


225 


"Augusta,  Georgia,  April  18th,  1828. 
("Friday.) 

"  My  dear  Brother, 

"  The  evening  before  I  left  Savannah  for  this  place, 
I  dropped  a  letter  into  the  Post-Office,  saying,  among 
other  things,  that  I  was  about  to  set  my  face  homeward. 

"  We  left  Savannah  on  Tuesday,  A.  M.,  and  reached 
Augusta  to-day,  the  distance  about  one  hundred  and 
twenty-live  miles.  Mr.  K.'s  horse  preceded  Fox,  and 
thus  we  came  together  in  my  gig.  With  a  little  more 
practice,  I  think,  upon  a  pinch,  I  could  demand  eight 
dollars  per  month  as  a  stage-driver.  —  But,  I  feel  like 
any  thing  else  than  a  single  light  thought. 

"  Were  I  to  describe  my  feelings,  I  should  represent 
myself  as  pensive^  and  disheartened.  I  do  not  com- 
plain. Of  all  persons,  I  have  most  occasion  to  be  thank- 
ful. I  would  not  complain — no  —  never!  But,  my 
dear  brother,  I  feel  that  I  am  not  gaining  much.  For 
the  week  or  ten  days  past,  the  old  pain  has  returned  to 
my  side  —  not  that  which  we  used  to  call  *  JVfr.  O.  grab 
me,'  nor  the  spasmodic,  which  drew  in  my  side,  but  that 
which  renders  me  sorely  sensitive  to  the  touch,  and 
troubles  me  when  I  move  in  the  bed.  I  shall  hope,  by 
resting  a  little  in  this  place,  to  improve.  W^hatever  may 
be  the  result,  I  hope  in  all  things  to  be  kept  from  sinning. 
Whether  my  days  be  few  or  many,  nothing  seems  more 
abhorrent  to  my  feelings  than  to  be  situated  where  I 
shall  be  a  burden.     But,  both  to  try  me  and  others,  this 


226  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

may  be  my  lot.     But  desist  —  it  is  not  good  to  borrow 
trouble. 

*»  Were  I  to  open  my  heart  as  the  continued  recipient 
of  my  brother's  liberal  kindness,  I  should  not  know 
where  to  stop.  But  you  do  not  wish  it,  and  flattery  is 
not  in  my  nature,  and  could  not  reach  the  reality  here. 
But  while  you  labour  to  acquire,  you  give  —  And  thd 
King  of  kings  has  said,  it  is  more  blessed  to  give 
than  to  receive. 

"  The  gig  is  in  admirable  trim,  and  probably,  answers 
my  purpose  better  than  any  other.  The  fine  leather 
top  is  a  shield  from  the  sun,  and  would  protect  from  the 
rain.  As  yet,  the  weather  has  been  fine.  The  horse 
does  well.     His  legs  swell  a  little,  now  and  then. 

"I  have  drawn  up  this  in  haste.  I  have  ridden 
tlirough  the  street,  and  shall  defer  what  I  have  to  say  of 
Augusta,  till  my  next. 

"  I  long  to  arrive  at  Fayetteville,  to  hear  from  you 
all.  It  would  do  me  good  to  see  you  —  especially  just 
now. 

"  Affectionately, 

"  James. 

"  Should  you  address  letters  to  me  at  Richmond,  on 
the  reception  of  this,  I  shall  receive  them." 

"  Augusta,  Georgia,  19th  April,  1828. 
"  To  my  dear  friends  at  the  North : 

"  My  last  to  you  was  from  Savannah,  which  place  I 
have  left  behind  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  miles. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  227 


"  You  may  be  interested  to  know,  what  I  omitted  to 
state  in  my  letter  from  Savannah,  that  there  are  three 
churches  in  that  city  for  the  blacks.     They  have  black 
preachers.      The  piety  of  the  blacks,  if  piety  among 
them  exist  at  all,  is  enveloped  in  deepest  ignorance. 
Much  of  it  consists  in  movings^  impressions,  sighis,  &c. 
which,  if  it  embodies  with  it  any  thing  of  the  religion  of 
Jesus  Christ,  presents  at  best,  but  a  miserable  picture. 
Said  a  Baptist  Elder  the  other  night,  *  Many  of  the 
negroes  profess  to  be  religious,  but  the  worst  of  it  is, 
they  will  have  two  or  three  wives.'     From  all  that  I 
could  learn,  the   consistency  of  their  profession  and 
action,  is  greatly  questionable.     Exceptions  there  are, 
and  the  state  of  things  might  be  a  hundred-fold  worse. 
"  I  believe  1  did  not  give  the  snake  and  allegator- 
country,  into  which  I  entered,  its  meritorious  notice.     I 
saw  one  fellow  basking  in  the  sun,  as  I  rode  along,  while 
another  soused  into  the  water  with  a  splash  sufficient  to 
frighten  my  horse.     They  shoot  the  aliegator,  which  is 
troublesome  in  taking  pigs,  and  even  calves.     A  rattle- 
snake, but  a  day  or  two  since,  struck  his  fangs  into  a 
traveller's  horse's  leg,  and  inflicted  a  wound,  of  which  the 
animal  died  the  second  day  after.     Well  that  he  reached 
not  the  rider. 

"  As  yet,  I  have  hardly  had  time  to  survey  Augusta, 
having  arrived  here  only  yesterday.  The  city  is  located 
on  a  plain,  by  far  less  sandy  than  Savannah  —  streets 
are  very  wide  —  and  extend  a  mile  and  a  half.. 


^1^!^ 


228  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"  We  Stopped  at  the  Mansion  House,  which  was  re- 
commended to  us.  But  we  found  it  too  bustling  and 
unsocial.  This  morning,  by  the  kindness  of  a  friend, 
we  were  conducted  to  another  house,  which  had  been 
named  to  us  when  we  were  at  Savannah.  Here,  we 
were  introduced  to  three  sisters,  one  of  whom  is  Mrs. 
S.,  the  mother  of  Carohne  Elizabeth  Smelt,  whose  me- 
moir you  have  read.  Mrs.  W.  keeps  the  house,  and 
now  and  then  entertains  strangers.  Mrs.  J.  is  the  other 
sister.  With  them  all,  thus  far,  I  am  pleased,  and  I  feel 
that  we  have  again  fallen  into  maternal  hands.  More  of 
these  when  I  know  more. 

"  I  have  still  to  say,  as  I  wrote  brother  K.  last  even- 
ing, the  pain  in  my  side  is  troublesome.  It  makes  it 
difficult  for  me  to  turn  in  bed,  or  to  stoop  or  rise.  My 
cough  is  well  nigh  gone.  In  the  morning,  I  expector- 
ate considerably,  not  more  at  other  times  than  I  have 
been  accustomed  to  do.  My  lungs  seem  not  to  be  so 
much  debilitated.  Yet  they  are  none  too  strong.  All  i 
the  public  speaking  since  I  left  you,  which  I  have  at- 
tempted, has  been  once  on  ship  board,  and  once  at 
Charleston.     I  purpose  to  keep  quiet. 

**  Mr.  K.  has  gained  two  and  a  quarter  pounds.     His 
throat,  I  think  worse  than  when  he  left  New-York.     My  j 
countenance,  I  think,  has  altered  for  the  bettor.     On  the 
whole,  I  am  stronger,  yet  there  is  room  for  growing 
more  strong.     After  all,  I  am  a  poor  tool.     Peradven- 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  229 

ture,  my  present  tour  is  to  prepare  me  for  greater  useful- 
ness. I  know  not  the  will  of  Him  with  whom  is  the 
future.  Enough  to  know  that  he  now  guides  my  foot- 
steps. 

"  April  20.  How  pleasant  to  find  the  refreshing  waters, 
when  travelling  through  the  wilderness.  To-day,  the 
good  Shepherd  has  given  me  a  rich  repast.  My  soul 
has  renewed  its  strength  by  feeding  on  angel's  food,  if 
angels  feed  on  the  manifestations  of  God  to  them. 
While  singing  one  of  the  songs  of  Zion  my  heart  began 
to  melt.  It  broke  into  sweet  tenderness  and  love.  The 
filial  relation  to  God,  was  dear  beyond  description. 
My  heart  loved  to  repeat  and  dwell  upon  the  sound, 

*  My  Father,  my  Father ! '  Christ  in  his  relation  as 
Elder  Brother,  Friend,  Shepherd,  Lord,  and  All,  capti- 
vated my  inmost  soul,  and  I  cried  with  a  broken  heart, 

*  Thou  lovely  sourqe  of  true  delight, 

Whom  I,  unseen,  adore, 
Unveil  thy  beauties  to  my  sight, 
That  I  may  love  thee  more.* 

0,  how  soul-humbling  —  how  soul-elevating  and  conso- 
ling, to  have  such  manifestations  of  Jesus,  so  otherwise 
than  is  made  to  the  world !  It  is  no  longer  a  wonder  to 
the  soul  that  enjoys  it,  as  it  once  was  to  Thomas, 

*  How  unto  us,  and  not  unto  the  world  1 '  This  little 
room  from  which  I  now  write,  will  ever  be  associated  in 
my  recollections  as  one  of  the  Bethels  where  my  soul 

20 


230  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

has  been  blessed.  Never,  perhaps,  with  more  confi- 
dence could  I  ask  for  the  Holy  Ghost.  May  you,  and 
may  I  be  filled,  and  filled,  and  filled  with  the  Holy 
Ghost.  By  this,  we  climb  the  *  delectable  mountains' 
—  stand  on  *  Mount  Clear,'  and  look  away  to  the  fairer 
land.  O,  how  fair  and  desirable  it  appeared  to  me  this 
night!  More  desirable  than  my  father-land.  0,  the 
prospect  of  meeting  there  the  holy !  When  I  shall  have 
subserved  the  end  of  my  being  here,  I  expect  to  see 
Paradise,  and  hail  the  happy  within  the  walls  of  the 
New-Jerusalem.  My  prospect  brightens  as  God  shows 
new  beauties  to  my  soul.  I  long  for  the  time  to  arrive 
when  I  shall  be  a  disembodied  spirit.  I  wish  to  see  the 
Glory  which  Christ  wished  his  disciples  to  behold. 
*  Father,  I  will  that  they  also  whom  thou  hast  given  me 
be  with  me  where  I  am,  that  they  may  behold  my  glory.* 
Much  is  comprised  in  that  word  glory.  Well,  it  will  not 
be  long,  and  the  disclosure  will  be  made. 

"  Whenever  I  am  so  peculiarly  blessed,  my  longings 
are  to  preach  the  Gospel.  There  is  an  intensity  that 
wrings  my  very  soul  into  groans.  Still,  I  lie  in  the 
hands  of  God,  and  if  I  mistake  not,  swing  in  his  will, 
neither  above  nor  below.  And  I  feel  pursuaded,  that 
the  issue  of  my  protracted  trials  will  be  my  good, 
whether  I  live  or  die.  Through  your  prayers  I  may  be 
restored  and  given  to  the  church,  to  which,  under  God, 
I  long  since  gave  myself,  and  have  repeatedly  surrender- 
ed myself.     Good-night. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  231 

"  24th.  It  may  disappoint  you,  as  I  have  been  disap- 
pointed. But  you  would  know  my  case  fully.  I  had 
hoped  that  I  should  not  have  a  return  of  bleeding.  But 
night  before  last,  I  experienced  a  recurrence  of  bleed- 
ing, very  similar  to  what  took  place  at  New-Haven. 
For  two  or  three  days  previously,  I  had  a  stricture 
across  my  lungs.  They  felt  as  if  they  were  tied  up. 
Dr.  C,  a  skilful  physician,  was  called,  who  let  a  little 
blood  from  the  arm,  assuring  me  that  he  believed  that 
the  blood  came  not  from  a  blood  vessel,  but  was  a  mere 
secretion  of  the  mucus  membrane,  which  nature,  to  re- 
lieve herself,  threw  off.  There  was  no  debility  —  voice 
clearer  and  stronger.  Last  night  about  twelve  o'clock, 
there  was  another  discharge,  about  the  same  ^s  the  first, 
and  this  afternoon  it  has  been  repeated.  I  feel  no  in- 
convenience from  it,  but  relieved. 

"  I  have  not  room  to  say  much  about  my  hostess,  and 
kind  friends  around  me.  You  would  be  grateful  to  wit- 
ness their  attentions  to  the  stranger  in  exile.  And  I  am 
happy.  This  morning  my  spirit  has  been  exultingly  re- 
freshed. Be  not  concerned  about  me.  This  morning 
was  the  time  we  had  appointed  to  start  for  Columbia, 
but  not  being  quite  ready,  have  postponed  it  until  Mon- 
day next. 

"  Yesterday  we  visited  the  Sand-Hills,  three  miles 
from  town  —  the  summer  residence  of  many  of  the 
citizens.     There  I  saw  a  friend  of  J.'s,  Mrs.  K.     This 


232  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

morning  I  saw  Mrs. ,  another  friend  of  his.     I 

meet  them  all  around,  and  they  speak  of  him  with  affec- 
tion. 

"I  shall  have  more  to  say  in  my  next.  You  may 
expect  to  hear  from  me  again  soon. 

"  Very  affectionately, 

"  Your  son  and  brother, 

"  James." 

"  Augusta,  Georgia,  April  27th,  1828. 
"  Dear  Brother  B  : 

"  I  remember  your  parting  hand,  and  parting  re- 
quest. Excuse  me  for  not  earlier  complying.  Since  I 
left  you,  doubtless  you  have  been  favoured  with  near 
communion  with  God.  Those  seasons  are  of  dearest 
remembrance,  in  which  the  soul  has  drawn  nearest  and 
held  converse  with  the  Deity. 

'  Prayer  ardent,  opens  heaven,  lets  down  a  stream 
Of  glory  on  the  consecrated  hour, 
Of  man  in  audience  with  the  Deity.' 

And  those  places  are  the  most  hallowed,  where  the  soul 
has  been  purified  by  the  fire  from  above. 

"  From  time  to  time,  I  have  been  greatly  refreshed, 
and  so  strengthened  to  press  my  way  onward  and  up- 
ward.    You  know  that  it  is  at  such  seasons  of  com- 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  233 

nmnion  we  gain  armour,  with  which  to  gird  ourselves 
—  in  which  we  harness  the  soul  for  the  battle  —  in 
which  we  are  stripped  for  the  race  —  in  which  we 
become  giant-like  —  yet  lamb-like  —  Christ-like,  and 
thus  prepared  for  conflict  with  the  enemies  of  the  King 
whom  we  serve,  and  with  whose  glory  our  interests  are 
identified. 

*'  Well,  my  brother,  you  are  glad  that  it  is  thus  with 
me.  0,  were  it  otherwise,  what  should  I  do !  Whither, 
ah,  whither  should  I  roam !  Truly,  without  the  sweet 
consciousness  of  reconciliation  with  God,  I  were  wretch- 
ed indeed.     With  this,  I  am  happy. 

"  This  room,  from  which  I  now  write  you,  is  witness  to 
the  blessed  and  repeated  anointing  seasons.  Last  Sab- 
bath evening  I  enjoyed  a  rich  repast.  Singing  one  of  the 
songs  of  Zion,  my  soul  began  to  melt,  and  my  eyes  flowed 
with  tears,  and  my  heart  swelled  with  love  and  tenderness. 
The  '  Spirit  of  adoption'  was  so  shed  abroad  in  my  soul, 
that  I  loved  to  repeat  the  words,  *  my  Father.'  I  could  lean 
confidently  on  the  arm  of  Jesus,  and  bask  in  his  smiles. 
The  New-Jerusalem,  as  the  abiding-place  of  the  holy, 
drew  forth  the  longings  of  my  inmost  powers.  Heaven 
was  desirable.  0,  how  desirable!  Yesterday,  too,  was  a 
day  of  good  things.  The  goodness  of  God  overwhelmed 
me.  The  effect  of  this  season  of  communion  was  an 
unusually  deep,  calm,  quiet,  serene,  sweet,  and  con- 
tinually refreshing  comfort  The  Comforter  drew  near. 
And  0,  how  comforting !  I  needed  it.  My  trials  are 
20* 


234  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

protracted.  But  they  are  sweet  trials.  They  have 
precious  accompaniments,  and  encircle  me  richly  with 
love-tokens  from  above.  Let  your  thank-offering  as- 
cend, that  I  am  happy, —  fully  pursuaded,  that  come  what 
will,  the  dealings  of  our  heavenly  Father  are  kindly  ad- 
ministered. Yes,  we  may  challenge  the  world  to  point 
out  in  his  word,  works,  and  ways,  one  thing  which  does 
not  tend  to  win  us  to  his  favour,  and  to  secure  us  for  his 
home  in  the  heavens.  What  then,  but  thanksgiving, 
should  escape  our  lips  1 


<T5 


I'll  praise  him  while  he  lends  me  breath, 
I  hope  to  praise  him  after  death, 
I  hope  to  praise  him  lohen  I  die. 
And  sing  Salvation  as  I  fly.' 

"  Still  pray  for  the  invalid.  Through  your  prayers  I 
may  be  spared,  yet  to  subserve  the  cause  we  love. 

"  Friend  Kinsman  is  a  dear  brother.  The  more  I  am 
with  him,  the  more  I  love  him.  I  think  him  improved 
in  health,  and  improving.  So,  too,  I  think  of  myself. 
Yet  we  are  both  far  from  being  sound  in  body,  and  per- 
haps we  shall  never  be,  until  we  are  clad  with  the  body, 
*  new  and  glorious.* 

"From  this,  we  proceed  onward.  We  leave  day  after 
to-morrow.  Your  brother  I  have  seen.  I  trust  his 
course  is  in  Zion,  and  to  Zion's  God.     Remember  me 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  235 

affectionately  to  Mrs.  B.  and  your  brothers  J.  and  L. 
By  the  first  of  July,  I  hope  to  be  in  New-York. 
"  In  haste,  yours, 

"  In  the  best  bonds, 

"  Js.  B.  Taylor." 

"  Augusta,  April  28th,  1828. 
*'  My  dear  Friends  at  the  North  : 

"  As  I  am  on  the  eve  of  departing  from  this  city,  I 
will  comply  with  the  promise  contained  in  my  last,  *  To 
say  more  when  I  should  know  more  of  my  hostess  and 
her  inmates.'  Verily,  this  has  been  the  greenest  of 
green  spots,  where  we  have  lighted.  There  is  no  dan- 
ger of  saying  too  much.  On  the  contrary,  I  feel  the 
poverty  of  words  to  express  the  kind  reception,  ample 
accommodations,  cordial,  maternal,  sister-like  attention 
which  1  have  received  under  this  roof.  If  earth  had  re- 
presentatives of  Paradise,  this  would  be  one  —  for  here, 
many  a  cluster  of  unforbidden  fruit  have  we  tasted,  and 
I  trust,  have  been  mutually  refreshed.  To-morrow  I 
leave,  and  shall  cast  many  a  lingering  look  behind. 
Why  should  I  hot  when  I  leave 

'Zion's  friends  and  mine?' 

»*  Columbia,  May  2d,  1828. 
72  miles  from  Augusta. 
"  Two  days  since  we  reached  this  place.     We  have 
had  no  occasion  to  put  up  the  boot  of  our  gig  on  account 


236  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

of  rain,  until  the  evening  of  our  arrival  here.  We  have 
had  warnn  summer-weather  for  the  most  part,  since  we 
arrived  at  Charleston.  To-day  the  mercury  stood  at 
85°.  When  we  started  from  Augusta,  our  purpose  was 
to  proceed  on  as  rapidly  as  we  could  with  comfort.  On 
our  arrival  here  we  presented  a  letter  to  a  physician, 
whose  skill  and  judgement  are  greatly  relied  on  —  pro- 
fessedly pious,  and  seemed  to  take  an  interest  in  us. 
He  inquired  into  our  cases,  and  found  that  we  were  in- 
Tahds,  and  believed  that  the  most  probable  remedy  in 
our  cases  was  the  warm  sun  of  this  and  more  Southern 
climates.  He  advised  us,  by  all  means,  not  to  hasten 
our  way  to  the  North.  His  reasoning  on  my  case,  I 
thought  to  be  sound  and  philosophical.  Mr.  Kinsman's 
case,  probably,  is  not  much  unlike  mine.  Supposed  to 
be  affected  internally,  and  in  parts  which  medicine  will 
not  reach,  it  becomes  necessary  to  produce  an  action  on 
the  surface.  For  instance,  if  the  lungs  are  disordered, 
inflamed,  or  there  is  a  superabundant  secretion,  a  deter- 
mination to  the  surface  should  be  effected.  This,  the 
physician  supposed,  would  be  done  by  an  atmosphere  like 
this ;  and  argued  that,  to  effect  a  permanent  relief  or 
cure,  in  pulmonary  cases,  a  man  should  not  only  spend 
the  winter  at  the  South,  but  the  summer  especially;  for, 
he  said,  to  spend  a  winter  here  is  only  a  negative  thing 
—  simply  avoiding  the  cold  of  the  North,  and  gaining  a 
pleasant  winter  residence.  But  returning  too  soon,  one 
evades  the  Southern  summer-heat,  whose   power,  by 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  237 

creating  perspiration,  determines  the  secretions  to  the 
surface,  and  thus  gives  the  internal  and  affected  organs  a 
respite  and  an  opportunity  to  heal.  There  is  said  to  be 
a  humidity  in  the  atmosphere  here  in  the  summer,  which, 
although  the  mercury  rises  no  higher  than  at  the  North, 
produces  double  the  perspiration.  Warm  nights  as  well 
as  warm  days.  He  said  a  man  will  perspire  here  more 
in  one  day  than  at  the  North  in  ten.  I  hked  his  reason- 
ing and  his  candour. 

"  I  have  sent  for  my  letters  which  I  suppose  I  have  at 
Fayetteville,  and  expect  the  pleasure  of  hearing  from 
you  all  for  the  first  time  since  I  left  Charleston.  On 
Monday  evening,  I  presume  they  will  reach  us.  This  is 
Friday.  Till  then,  if  not  longer,  I  think  it  duty  to  re- 
main.    The  horse's  breast,  besides,  is  galled. 

"  Columbia  is  said  to  be  the  handsomest  city  south  of 
the  Patomac.  It  is  located  on  an  eminence  —  a  plain, 
two  and  a  half  miles  by  one  and  a  half.  I  have  formed 
but  few  acquaintances,  and  therefore  know  but  little  of 
the  people.  I  say  nothing  about  my  health,  until  I  shall 
Bee  Dr.  W.  again. 

"  For  a  few  days  past  I  have  been  in  the  family  of  a 
Mr.  E.,  at  whose  board  and  lodgings  I  was  invited,  and 
cordially  received.  They  do  all  to  make  me  comforta- 
ble. Dr.  W.,  the  physician,  has  given  me  an  invitation 
to  make  his  house  my  home,  on  my  return  ;  on  my 
return  —  for  hc  insists  that  the  South  must  be  my  resi- 
dence, at  least  for  the  present.    The  South  or  my  grave. 


238  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

For  two  days  past  I  have  felt  myself  on  the  gaining 
hand  pretty  fast.  Yesterday  the  thermometer  stood  at 
87°.     To-day  it  is  scorching  heat  in  the  sun. 

"  On  Friday  morning  we  purpose  to  leave  Columbia, 
and  proceed  North.  /  By  a  letter  from  Philadelphia,  it 
seems  that  they  had  sleighing  on  the  thirtieth  ultimo. 
This  tells  us  that  we  have  not  been  too  tardy.  If  you 
see  me  by  the  first  of  July,  perhaps  it  will  be  soon 
enough. 

"  Mr.  K.  has  purchased  a  sulky.  We  found  the  gig 
too  narrow  for  a  hot  day.  Fox  is  better,  and  collar  so 
fitted  as  will  probably  sufficiently  favour  him  on  the 
way.  Had  a  fine  saucer  of  strawberries  for  a  dessert  at 
dinner. 

"  Dr.  W.  has  just  left  me.  From  his  examination  he 
says,  that  he  thinks  more  favourably  of  my  case  than  he 
did.  He  proposed  a  prescription  which  I  shall  follow, 
save  spending  the  summer  here.  For  a  week  before  I 
left  Augusta,  I  think,  and  since,  there  has  been  no  blood 
from  throat  or  lungs. 

*'  After  all,  think  not  too  much  of  my  recovery.  I 
myself,  do  not  —  save  for  this,  to  preach  the  Gospel.  0, 
how  I  have  longed  to  put  in  the  sickle  here.  Last  Sun- 
day evening  a  crowded  house  of  young  people  waited  to 
hear  the  truth.  Think  not  that  it  injured  me,  for  I  was 
the  better  after  it.  It  seemed  to  untie  my  lungs.  But  I 
delivered  a  message.  I  long  to  follow  it  up.  But 
no.     Only  in  one  case  have  I,  and  in  this  case  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  239 

young  lady,  but  a  little  ago,  went  to  her  closet.*    Living 

or  dying,  the  Lord  be  magnified. 

**  May  8th.  This  is  the  time  of  your  feast  of  weeks  in 

New- York.      Will  brother  K.  say  to  Mr.  P.,  or  the 

Board,  that  in  Savannah,  an  objection  was  raised  against 

the  H.  M.  and  P.  Journal,  from  the  fact  that  it  was 

not  published  early  enough  in  the  month  to  reach  them 

for  their  monthly  concert.     This,  however,  may  be  but 

a  small  consideration  with  the  body  of  the  community. 

"  Day  before  yesterday,  mercury  91°,  yesterday  82°. 

To-day  62°,  and  an  easterly  wind.     Probably  you  are 

enjoying  a  New-England  snow  storm.     I  feel  on  the 

gaining  hand  —  better  and  better,  stronger  and  stronger. 

"I  propose  to  leave  Columbia  to-morrow  morning, 

and  part  with  my  kind  host  and  hostess,  the  latter  of 

whom,  just  now,  having  picked  strawberries,  presented 

me  with  a  fine  bowl  full,  and  has  more  in  reserve.     The 

reserved   ones  I   would  gladly  export  to  your  table. 

They  are  large  and  fine. 

"  Your  affectionate  son  and  brother, 

"James. 
"  P.  S.  To  brother  F. 

"  I  hope  you  have  secured  Professor  Fitch's  lec- 
tures from  Mr.  N.,  as  requested. 

*  This  young  lady  has  since  become  hopefully  pious,  and  grate- 
fully acknowledges  the  influence  of  Mr.  T.'s  conversation,  in  ex- 
citing her  to  secure,  the  one  thing  needful. 


240  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

To  Dr.  p.  of  Charleston. 

"  Columbia,  9th  May,  1828. 

"  Rev.  and  dear  Sir : 

"  After  so  hospitable  an  entertainment  in  your  city, 
and  especially  so  *  kindly  affectioned'  a  reception  and 
attention  from  Mrs.  P.  and  household,  I  fully  intended 
you  should  all  hear  from  me.  According  to  my  purpose, 
I  forwarded  a  letter  to  Charleston  from  Savannah,  an- 
nouncing my  arrival  at  the  latter  place,  and  giving  a 
sketch  of  our  journey  to'  S.,  and  of  our  excursion  into 
Liberty  County.  That  letter,  I  presume,  was  wrongly 
sent.  I  requested  that  its  contents  should  be  mentioned 
generalhj  to  my  friends,  and  particularly  to  Dr.  P.  and 
family.  Mr.  B.,  who  arrived  here  yesterday,  said  that 
you  had  not  heard  from  us  nor  of  us. 

"  Our  stay  at  Savannah,  and  in  the  *  region  round 
about,'  was  fifteen  days.  Having  found  that  horse- 
back-riding suited  neither  of  us,  we  shall  hence  travel 
each  in  his  own  vehicle.  At  Augusta  we  remained  ten 
days.  Leaving  to-morrow,  we  shall  have  been  at 
Columbia  eleven  days.  Here  we  have  fallen  into  kind 
hands,  and  our  way  has  been  kindly  directed. 

"  Mr.  Kinsman's  health,  I  think,  is  improving.  That 
I  am  gaining,  and  daily,  I  think  admits  of  no  doubt. 
Yet  we  are  both,  perhaps,  far  from  full  health.  For 
myself,  having  seen  more  of  my  case,  I  look  not  for 
long  life,  and   peradventure,  a  renewed  constitution 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  241 

awaits  me  only  in  an  exchange  of  bodies.  But  these 
things  move  me  not.  I  rest  in  the  persuasion  that  my 
past  and  protracted  trials  as  to  my  health,  tend  to  prepare 
me  the  better  to  live  or  to  die,  for  earth  or  for  heaven. 
Since  I  left  you,  I  have  enjoyed  some  love-tokens  from 
above  —  the  best  of  which  are,  a  broken  heart,  a  lean- 
ing on  the  arm  of  Christ  and  reposing  on  his  bosom, 
and  the  spirit  of  adoption  to  cry  with  inexpressible  sweet- 
ness of  filial  love,  '  My  Father,  my  Father.'  Through 
your  prayers  I  may  yet  be  restored  to  advance  the  cause 
of  Christ  in  his  vineyard  —  to  which  service,  with 
a  melting  and  bleeding  heart,  I  have  long  ago,  and 
repeatedly  given  up  myself.  In  this  cause  I  would 
live,  and  labour,  and  to  it  gladly  fall  a  sacrifice  —  yes 
—  a  burnt  sacrifice.  Yet,  if  from  an  imperfect  sphere 
Christ  shall  remove  me  to  a  perfect  one,  who  shall  say 
aught  against  it?  Settled  as  it  has  been  long  ago,  that 
*  To  die  is  gain,'  I  am  glad  that  I  am  born  to  die. 
There  is  much  in  the  society  of  the  holy  to  be  learned. 
To  see,  to  hear,  to  know  the  glories  which  Christ  has 
to  disclose,  wakes  in  my  bosom  a  solicitude  to  depart, 
that  would  not  be  denied.  Thither  let  our  willing  feet 
tend.  Among  the  Patriarchs,  the  Prophets,  the  Apostles, 
and  the  Saints,  I  hope  to  meet  my  dear  friends  of  Charles- 
ton, whom  I  love  in  our  Lord  Jesus. 

"  Remember  me,  with  my  Christian  salutation,  to  my 
friends  and  brethren.     To  Mrs.  P.  and  family,  mention 
me  as  one  whose  heart  still  hangs  in  its  associations 
21 


242  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 

around  them,  and  recalls  their  attentions  to  me  while  at 
Charleston,  as  among  the  recollections  of  my  most 
pleasant  hours. 

"  I  regret  that  I  saw  so  little  of  yourself.  Having 
heard  more,  I  love  to  subscribe  myself, 

"  Yours  in  the  best  bonds, 

"James  B.  Taylor. 

"  Friend  Kinsman,  who  sits  beside  me,  expresses  his 
regrets  that  an  acquaintance  was  not  made  with  your- 
self, and  repeats  what  he  has  often  said,  that  he  shall 
never  forget  the  kindness  of  Mrs.  P.  His  respectful 
regards  to  your  family." 

"  Lewisburgh,  110  miles  S.  of  Petersburgh, 

"  31  miles  N.  of  Raleigh, 

"May  25th,  1828. 
"  My  dear,  dear  Brother : 

"  Though  worn  out  by  the  journey  of  the  day,  you 

will  allow  me  to  pour  a  little  from  the  fulness  of  my 

heart.     I  am  in  a  snug  harbour,  with  the  prospect  of 

enjoying  the  approaching  Sabbath,  by  keeping  holy  day. 

I  need  the  day,  both  for  body  and  mind  —  to  renew  my 

physical  vigour  for  the  journey,  and  to  put  on  afresh  the 

armour  of  righteousness. 

"My  tbrmer  letters  bear  testimony  to  repeated  seasons 

in  which  I  have  been  refreshed.      Last  night,  another 

such  refreshing  season  occurred,  and  O,  how  timely !    I 

wet  my  couch  with  tears  —  sweet  tears  from  a  broken, 

submissive  heart. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  243 

"  My  dear  brother,  you  know  what  a  solicitude  I  have 
had  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  that,  but  for  the  desire  to 
prepare  for  this,  how  ready  I  was  to  relinquish  all  upon 
your  visit  to  New- Haven.     0,  it  was  a  burning  of  soul 
that  would  take  no  denial !     You  know  from  my  testi- 
mony how  I  yielded  the  decision  into  God's  hands,  to 
dispose  of  me  as  pleased  him.     In  this  I  have  rested. 
Last  night,  it  seemed  pretty  decisive  to  my  mind  what 
would  be  the  result.    I  looked  no  longer  for  the  blessed- 
ness of  standing  upon  the  beautiful  walls,   and   as  a 
watchman  from  the  watch-tower,  to  sound  the  alarm. 
The  evidence  was,  that  the  trumpet  had  failed.     The 
fact  stares  me  in  the  face.     If  I  attempt  to  converse  — 
to  sing  a  mere  verse  —  to  pray  aloud,  the  once  timed  in- 
strument is  discordant.     Shortness  of  breath  is  trouble- 
some.    If  I  attempt  to  walk  up-hill,  it  excites  the  lungs 
so  much,  that  respiration  is  difficult.     And  even  throw- 
ing myself  upon  the  bed  produces  breathing  enough  for 
one  who  has  run  a  race.     My  lungs  are  very  sensitive 
to  night-air.     Now,  all  this  was  not  the  case  when  I  left 
you,  nor  when  I  set  out  for  my  journey  for  the  South. 
The  blessing  came  in  view  of  the  hold  which  my  soul 
had  had  on  the  ministry,  and  with  the  interrogation  to 
myself,  will  you  give  it  up?      Dear  brother,  I  think  my 
whole  soul  responded,  and  I  hardly  know  how  —  'yes 
—  yes,  I  will.'     And  then  there  was  a  staying  upon  God, 
and  a  solid,  indescribable  comfort  within.     Thus,  you 
aee  here,  one  thing  after  another  is  lopping.     And  in- 


244  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

deed,  more  than  ever  I  thought  it  became  me  to  set  my 
house  in  order.  And  I  longed  to  live  more  Christ-like, 
and  to  exhibit  constantly  his  lineaments.  The  prospect 
was  pleasant,  even  of  putting  aside  prospective  labours, 
and  entering  into  rest.  If  it  should  soon  take  place,  will 
not  brother  K.,  my  dear  brother  K.,  whom  I  seem  to  love 
more  than  ever,  give  me  up?  Yes,  like  a  Christian. 
And  so  will  others  whom  I  love. 

"These  are  my  impressions  relative  to  my  health. 
Besides,  I  find  that  I  am  more  fatigued  than  when  I  first 
rode,  and  even  drove  two  horses.  And  it  is  a  question 
whether  I  have  been  benefitted  by  my  journeying  thus 
far.  I  have  thought  of  following  my  friend  Kinsman's 
example,  and  disposing  of  my  establishment,  and  by 
stage  and  steamboat,  to  get  among  my  friends  as  soon 
as  I  can,  and  make  myself  comfortable  the  little  time  I 
may  have  to  remain.     Love  to  all. 

"  As  ever,  yours, 

"  James." 

"Richmond,  31st  May,  1828. 
"  Dear  brother  J. 

"  I  will  assure  you  that  the  letters  which  I  received 
at  this  place,  among  which  was  yours  of  the  2Cth,  were 
indeed  refreshing  to  me.  Please  say  to  K.  that  his  of 
April  29th,  May  5th  and  21st,  came  safely  to  hand.  I 
noticed  their  contents,  and  my  several  letters  will  have 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  246 

replied  to  several  particulars  of  his.  I  passed  through 
Petersburg  to  this  place,  avoiding  Prince  Edward, 
travelling  the  four  days  past  twenty-five,  thirty- six, 
twenty-five,  twenty-one  miles.  To-day  and  to-morrow 
I  rest  in  Richmond.     On  Monday,  I  hope  to  near  you. 

"  The  reason  why  I  have  not  written  you  individually, 
is,  that  my  letters  have  been  written  to  you  all.  They 
were  superscribed  to  brother  K.,  but  addressed  to  my 
friends  at  the  North.  I  pursued  this  course  to  save 
labour. 

"  As  to  labouring,  we  should  rather  accord  With  the 
counsel  of  our  friends  than  be  too  decided  to  follow  our 
own  wishes.  It  were  better  1  had  done  this,  probably, 
in  some  times  which  are  past.  I  now  see  that  I  have 
gone,  many  a  time,  beyond  my  strength^  but  not  my  in- 
clinations. Better  if  I  had  been  wiser.  We  should 
strive  to  be  wilhng  to  labour  or  not  to  labour.  This 
latter  is  a  higher  attainment  than  a  thirst  to  labour  at  all 
hazards.  I  think  I  have  come  to  this,  as  I  mentioned 
in  my  last  letter  to  brother  K.  Now,  I  feel  that  I  could 
not  labour.  I  have  a  physical  inability.  My  lungs  will 
not  allow  me.  Well,  I  have  lost  that  anxiety  I  once 
had  to  open  my  mouth,  and  stand  forth  an  advocate. 
How  this  will  terminate,  I  know  not.  However,  I  trust 
the  issue  will  be  joyous  and  not  grievous.  I  hope  my 
friends  will  be  as  submissive  as  I  am.  *  Be  still  and 
know  that  God  reigns.'     If  I  am  happy  in  his  disposal 


21* 


246  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

of  me,  ought  not  you  to  rejoice?     Praise  him  on  my 
account. 

"  Think  not  from  this,  that  I  am  in  the  last  stages  of 
decHne.  Were  you  to  see  my  countenance,  you  would 
think  me  far  from  ill.  Yet  I  am  kitten-like  as  to 
strength,  and  a  little  exertion  only  overcomes  me.  I 
would  gladly  be  a  Quaker  in  the  one  particular  of  saying 
yea  and  nay  only ;  and  so  I  do,  so  far  as  I  can. 

"  In  haste,  but  affectionately, 
"  James." 

The  preceding  is  the  last  letter  which  Mr.  Taylor 
wrote,  previous  to  his  reaching  New-York.  The  brother 
to  whom  it  was  addressed,  on  its  reception,  hastened  to 
meet  him  on  his  way,  and  with  full  hearts  they  welcomed 
each  other  in  Baltimore.  The  next  week  they  reached 
New- York,  the  point  towards  which  his  affections  ever 
turned,  and  where  he  was  glad  once  more  to  rest  at 
"  one  of  his  loved  homes." 

In  retracing  the  way  of  Mr.  Taylor,  by  means  of  his 
letters,  at  this  period  of  time,  it  cannot  but  awaken  a 
degree  of  melancholy  in  the  bosom  of  his  friends  as 
they  follow  him  on  his  course,  ever  happy  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  his  religious  feelings,  but  evidently,  each  hour 
failing  in  his  physical  strength.  From  the  very  nature 
of  his  complaint,  his  own  feelings,  with  regard  to  his 
health,  were  fluctuating,  but  always  settling  on  the  side 
of  hope  and  favourable  expectation.     The  consequence 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  247 

was,  that  his  letters  had  led  his  friends  often  to  hope 
that  he  was  improving  ;  and  being  unable,  from  the  cir- 
cumstance of  his  absence,  to  judge  from  personal  ob- 
servation, like  all  friends  in  similar  cases,  they  hoped 
for  every  favourable  change,  and  believed  that  their  son, 
brother,  and  friend,  would  ere  long,  be  returned  to  them 
much  improved  in  the  reinstatement  of  his  physical 
powers.  Some  of  his  later  letters,  and  particularly  his 
last,  and  the  iiexi  before  his  lasty  diminished  these  flat- 
tering hopes,  and  increased  the  solicitude  of  his  friends. 
And  when  he  arrived  and  received  their  affectionate 
hands,  with  a  cordiality  of  hearts  that  sincerely  loved, 
they  bid  him  welcome,  and  said  all  that  they  could  to 
cheer  and  render  him  happy,  but  then  went  to  their 
closets  and  vented  their  feehngs  in  prayer  and  tears. 
He  was  altered  in  his  personal  appearance,  not  for  the 
better,  while  at  the  same  time,  the  flush  which  was 
always  on  his  cheek,  and  which  was  now  often  deepened 
by  feverish  excitement  and  hectic  indications,  gave  him 
a  still  interesting  appearance,  and  divested  his  features, 
which  were  of  peculiar  manliness,  of  that  sickly  and 
deadly  look,  characteristic  of  the  last  stages  of  most 
diseases,  when  the  invalid  has  been  greatly  reduced  in 
flesh. 

Mr.  Taylor  was  much  weaker  on  his  return  to  New- 
York,  than  he  was  at  the  period  of  his  leaving  it.  His 
course,  although  devised  by  the  kindest  attention  and  af- 
fection of  Kindred,  and  the  advice  of  physicians  of  skill, 


248  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

was  evidently  an  injudicious  one,  and  can  hardly  ever 
be  again  recommended  to  one  in  similar  circumstances 
of  feeble  health.  The  driving  of  a  horse,  and  the  care 
attendant  on  travelling  with  one,  is  always  too  much  for 
a  debilitated  invalid,  with  symptoms  of  a  pulmonary 
disease  already  upon  him.  The  excitement  of  new 
scenes,  and  the  very  exertion  he  is  putting  forth  in 
directing  his  own  course,  may  conceal  from  himself 
the  true  state  of  his  strength  for  the  time  being,  but  the 
result  will  be  a  prostration,  from  which  nothing  will  re- 
vive him.  Such  is  believed  to  have  been  the  result  of 
the  tour  which  Mr.  Taylor  made  through  the  Southern 
States,  northward ;  although  the  truth  of  the  fact  had  not 
yet  flashed  upon  the  minds  of  his  friends,  as  they  since 
behold  it.  His  life,  probably,  could  not  have  been 
saved  by  a  different  course.  That  it  might  have  been 
prolonged  some  months,  had  his  physical  exertion  been 
less,  his  friends  now  have  reason  to  believe.  And  yet, 
they  know  not,  in  the  wisdom  of  an  all-wise  Providence, 
but  that  his  course  was  precisely  such  as  shall  result  in 
his  greater  and  eternal  enjoyment  in  heaven,  and  to  the 
greater  promotion  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the  salvation 
of  others  on  earth.  His  acquaintance  was  extended. 
His  character  yet  more  thoroughly  developed  to  him- 
self and  friends  ;  and  since  to  the  world,  than  it  other- 
wise would  have  been.  And  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the 
exhibition  of  Christian  principle,  as  developed  in  the  cir- 
cumstances in  which  we  view  him  in  his  correspondence, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  249 

shall  have  some  charm  for  its  loveliness  —  some  pur- 
suasive  power  for  its  moral  beauty  —  some  hallowed 
energy  for  its  sainted  purity,  in  wooing  other  souls, 
under  a  yet  diviner  influence,  to  Jesus  the  friend  of 
sinners,  whom  he  loved,  and  whom  his  soul  agonized  to 
serve. 

Mr.  Taylor  had  left  New- York  a  good  deal  elevated 
in  his  hopes,  that  through  the  prayers  of  his  friends,  and 
the  salutary  influence  of  his  tour,  he  should  return  again, 
renewed  in  his  constitution,  and  re-invigorated,  to  stand 
a  watchman  on  the  walls  of  Zion,  to  proclaim  the  mes- 
sages of  an  inviting  Saviour.  But  on  his  near  approach 
to  the  point  from  which  he  started,  with  such  anticipa- 
tions, we  perceive,  from  his  last  two  letters,  that  he  had 
taken  his  tour  only  to  return  with  a  relinquished  hope, 
and  a  sad  but  resigned  consciousness,  that  "he  is  no 
longer  to  look  for  the  blessedness  of  standing  upon  the 
beautiful  walls,  and  as  a  watchman  to  sound  the  alarm. 
The  evidence  to  him  is,  That  the  trumpet  hasfailedy 


)^ 


SECTION    XII. 

As  a  drowning  man,  it  is  said,  catches  at  a  straw,  so  it 
is  true,  that  the  hopes  of  an  invaUd  are  revived  by  every 
favourable  expression  of  an  intelHgent  medical  opinion. 
And  the  affection  of  friends  encourages  this.  They 
would  conceal  from  themselves,  as  well  as  from  the  ob- 
ject of  their  affection,  what  they  would  deem  the  proba- 
ble issue  of  certain  symptoms,  were  they  discoverable 
in  any  other  than  in  the  case  of  the  friend,  in  whom  their 
sympathies  have  centered. 

We  need  not  say,  as  we  advance,  that  it  was  thus,  to 
some  extent,  with  Mr.  Taylor  and  his  friends. 

Having  arrived  in  the  city,  he  forwards  several  letters 
to  those  who  had  followed  his  path-way  with  the  affection 
of  kindred,  and  the  interest  of  attached  friendship.  The 
first,  as  in  duty  bound,  is  to  his  parents. 

"  New- York,  June  16th,  1828. 
"  My  ever  dear  Parents  : 

"  The  note  which  I  sent  you  the  other  day,  an- 
nounced my  arrival  at  this  city.  You  would  know  more 
particularly  relative  to  my  health.  It  becomes  one,  who, 
to  the  last,  would  honour  his  father  and  mother,  to  let 
them  know  of  my  weal  and  wo. 

"  The  day  of  my  arrival,  and  two  days  afterwards,  I 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  251 

was  exceedingly  prostrate,  through  weakness.  Tou 
know,  perhaps,  that  brother  J.  met  me  at  Baltimore,  a 
week  ago  last  Saturday.  Upon  his  arrival,  I  gave  all 
care  of  horse  and  gig,  etc.,  into  his  hands,  and  I  became 
very  languid.  On  my  arrival  in  Philadelphia,  I  sub- 
mitted my  case  to  Dr.  J.,  whose  skill  in  chest-com- 
plaints is  widely  acknowledged .  Upon  his  examination, 
I  began  to  feel  that  I  might  live,  recover,  and  yet  preach 
the  Gospel.  He  said  that  my  kings  were  7iot  affected 
—  that  the  mucus  membrane  of  the  lungs  was  in  a  state 
of  irritation,  but  with  care  and  proper  regimen  might  be 
recovered.  I  was  pleased  with  the  man,  and  liked  his 
reasoning.  Dr.  S.,  K.'s  family  physician,  concurs  with 
Dr.  J. 

"  The  pain  in  my  side  and  back  has  so  far  subsided, 
that  it  does  not  trouble  me  worth  mentioning.  Extreme 
debility  is  what  I  labour  under,  with  the  affection  of  tl^ie 
mucus  membrane  of  the  lungs. 

"  I  am  at  my  old,  sweet  home.  All  is  done  for  my 
comfort,  and  for  my  restoration,  that  I  could  wish. 
Eliza  is  the  same  faithful  nurse.  I  wonder  they  do  not 
get  tired  out.  It  must  be  a  trial.  Sure  it  is  the  great- 
est to  me  —  greater  by  far  to  lie  dependent  and  unable 
to  do,  than  to  sustain  the  disappointments  attending  my 
unlooked-for  illness.  But  so  it  is.  In  the  good  provi- 
dence of  God,  I  am  amply  provided  for.  What  they 
do  is  done  so  cheerfully,  that  it  often  melts  me  to  think 


252  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

of  it.     If  not  before,  may  they  hereafter,  in  another 
v/orld,  be  rewarded  a  hundred  fold. 

"  E.  said  yesterday,  that  if  I  were  to  be  laid  on  a  sick 
and  dying  bed,  she  should  wish  to  have  me  here,  that 
she  might  be  beside  me  all  the  time.  But  I  am  better 
than  I  was  on  my  arrival,  and  peradventure  I  shall  con- 
tinue convalescing,  till  in  full  health. 

"Does  not  mother  intend  to  visit  New- York  this 
summer?  Why  not  come  down,  and  by-and-by  I  could 
return  with  her,  or  with  any  of  the  rest  of  you. 

"  I  wish  to  see  you  all;  until  the  time  comes,  suffice  it 
to  say,  I  am  happy  in  God's  disposal  of  me. 
"  Your  affectionate  son, 

"James. 

"  You  see  I  do  not  take  much  pains  in  the  communi- 
cation of  my  ideas.  I  write  with  my  paper  on  my  knee, 
and  get  over  it  as  fast  as  I  can,  as  all  that  I  do  is  a  task. 
All  well.     Should  be  glad  to  hear  from  you. 

*'19th.  Since  writing  the  above,  I  received  father's 
letter.  A  moment  should  not  be  lost  in  complying  with 
your  earnest  solicitation,  were  it  not  thought  best  that  I 
should  remain  here  yet  awhile.  Reasons.  Physicians 
at  hand.  Things  necessary  not  always  to  be  obtained 
in  the  country.  Take  exercise  regularly.  Good  air. 
Gaining  daily.  Comply  with  the  wishes  of  those  who 
help  me. 

"  You  may  expect  to  see  me  by-and-by.  During  the 
interval,  you  shall  hear. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  253 

"War  is  declared  by  the  Russian  Emperor  against 
Turkey." 

»  New- York,  21st  June,' 1828. 

**  Ere  this,  through  others,  you  may  have  heard  of  my 
safe  arrival  at  one  of  my  loved  homes.  And  I  will 
assure  you,  that  I  am  glad  to  return  once  more  to  the 
bosom  of  my  friends,  and  gladly  receive  their  kindly 
offices. 

"  I  write  now  more  particularly  to  say,  that  my  brother 
J.'s  present  purpose  is,  to  entrust  to  you  his  eldest 
daughter.  I  am  glad  on  her  account.  During  all  of 
week  after  next,  you  may  expect  her.  Probably  her 
father  and  mother  will  accompany  her.  Peradventure, 
J.  B.  T.  also.  Not  too  certain,  for  they  bind  me  here 
with  chains,  though  not  heavy,  yet  strong  —  all  for  my 
good.  If  I  come,  you  will  give  me  bread  and  barley- 
water  for  breakfast  —  bread  and  a  small  piece  of  meat 
for  dinner  —  bread  and  a  cup  of  weak  tea  at  night.  I 
will  bring  the  barley  along  with  me,  and  as  long  as  I 
stay,  I  must  be  as  much  of  the  brotherly  fraternity  as 
possible,  who  only  say  yea  and  nay.  Love  to  all  New- 
Haven  friends. 

"  As  ever, 

*'J.  B.  Taylor." 

»  New- York,  June  25th,  1828. 
"  I  doubt  not  but  my  loved  friends  at  the  Hill,  would 
22 


254  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

rather  see  my  person  than  receive  my  letters.  Yet,  as 
it  is  a  self-denial  on  my  part,  not  to  gratify  them,  it  being 
considered  best  that  I  should  tarry  here  yet  a  little,  I  will 
write  again  and  let  you  know  of  my  affairs. 

"  Were  you  to  see  me,  you  would  not  say  that  I  had 
gained  many  pounds  by  my  tour.  If  not  in  pounds  of 
flesh,  I  have  gained  by  avoiding  the  months  of  March 
and  April,  with  their  northern  storms.  Since  the  15th 
of  March,  for  the  most  part,  I  have,  in  my  journeyings, 
enjoyed  a  summer's  sun. 

"  My  letter  written  from  Lewisburgh,  you  probably 
have  seen.  In  that,  I  think  it  was,  that  I  mentioned  the 
fact  of  my  relinquishing  the  idea  of  preaching.  That 
conquest  was  a  crown.  Last  night,  melhinks,  I  gained 
another.  *  Blessed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation, 
(trial,)  for  when  he  is  tried  he  shall  receive  the  crown  of 
life.'  The  trial  which  assailed  me  was  a  pain  in  my  left 
breast,  which  to  me  appeared  a  new  indication  of  mor- 
tality. It  was  welcomed  with  joy.  I  yielded  sweet 
assent.  My  heart  was  melted  into  tenderness,  and  mjr 
whole  soul  felt  a  preference,  if  it  were  God's  will,  to 
depart.  To  a  willingness  was  added  a  desire  to  be  gone. 
I  longed  to  see  my  heavenly  Father,  whose  matchless 
goodness  had  plucked  me  as  a  brand  from  the  burning, 
1  longed  to  be  with  Christ  —  to  see  that  Spirit,  to  whom 
I  am  indebted  for  the  much  ho  has  done  for  me.  I 
longed  for  the  society  of  angels  and  saints,  and  I  thought 
of  some  whom  I  should  see  among  the  glorified.     The 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  265 

goodness  of  God  as  exhibited  in  my  convorsion,  and  the 
present  comfort  of  soul  in  the  midst  of  my  protracted 
trials,  was  overwhelming. 

*'  Thus  my  dear,  dear  parents,  see  how  the  Lord 
leaveth  me  not.  Surely  he  is  with  me.  And  in  grati- 
tude for  his  presence,  my  pillow  is  often  wet  with  tears. 

'*  A  few  things  here  yet  remain  to  be  done.  I  wished 
to  see  my  friends,  and  pay  them  a  visit,  if  it  should 
be  the  last.  M !  it  would  not  be  the  last  to  many. 
After  a  little,  we  shall  all  become  disembodied  spirits, 
and  commune  in  heaven  with  one  another  for  ever. 
Happy  constitution  of  things  —  to  be  here  a  short  time 
to  prepare  for  the  ceaseless  duration,  and  then  to  enter 
upon  it.  The  thought  of  being  a  disembodied  spirit  and 
of  going  into  the  presence  of  God  was  greatly  pleasing. 

*'  Should  I  recover,  I  shall  look  upon  the  varied  deal- 
ings of  God  with  me  as  happily  preparatory  for  my 
future  usefulness. 

"  With  love  to  you  all, 

"  James." 

"  New- York,  4th  July,  1828. 
♦*  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P. 

"  My  much  loved  friends  : 

"  I  suppose  I  ought  to  say  that  I  am  better  than 
I  was  on  my  arrival  here.  For  a  few  days  after  I  left 
you,  I  was  exceedingly  prostrate.  Giving  up  the  care 
of  horse  and  gig,  and  other  things  attendant  upon  a  jour- 


256  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

ney,  I  became  as  a  bow  unstrung.     I  think  I  am  physi- 
cally stronger,  yet  still  weak  enough. 

"  I  need  not  repeat  to  you  my  great  disappointment 
in  being  hurried  as  I  was,  through  New-Jersey.*  On 
the  whole,  however,  it  was  best.  Since  my  arrival,  my 
.physician  has  laid  an  embargo  on  my  tongue  —  so  much 
so,  that  it  is  not  made  known  that  I  am  here  at  present, 
to  prevent  my  seeing  friends.  Yet  it  is  so  much  known 
that  I  find  it  my  daily  bane,  though  a  pleasant  one,  to 
be  obliged  to  say  to  friends  a  word  or  two.  As  I 
am  exposed  here  to  constant  calls,  and  as  I  like  them, 
my  physician  has  recommended  a  removal,  to  avoid 
them ;  the  humid  atmosphere  of  this  city  is  also 
another  consideration.  I  calculate  to  retreat  to  my 
father's,  on  the  Connecticut,  where  I  shall  be  elevated 
on  a  high  hill,  surrounded  by  fine  scenery,  dry  air, 
twenty-five  miles  from  the  sea. 

"  I  may  be  prevented  the  anticipated  pleasure  of  see- 
ing you  so  soon  as  talked  of.  Well,  should  the  interval 
extend  to  the  time  while  we  live,  a  blessed  eternity  is 
before  us,  and  then  together  with  the  holy,  there  is, 
prospectively,  sweet  interchange,  and  elevated  com- 
munion. 

"  As  you  rejoice  in  my  prosperity,  you  will  allow  me 
to  tell  you,  that  since  I  came  to  this,  one  of  my  loved 
homes,  I  have  been  blessed  with  a  spirit  of  longing  to 

*  His  brother  J.  finding  him  so  debilitated,  he  thought  it  duty  to 
insist  that  his  brother  James  should  avoid  calling  upon  his  friends 
in  New- Jersey,  save  the  family  to  whom  the  letter  is  addressed. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  267 

depart,  if  it  were  God's  will.  Yet  how  often  has  my  heart 
broken,  and  my  eyes  filled  in  view  of  the  dear,  dear 
object  of  my  hopes  and  life  —  the  ministry  ! 

"  May  you  each  enjoy  a  hundred- fold  from  the  ful- 
ness of  God. 

"  As  ever,  and  more  affectionately, 
"James  B.  Taylor. 
"  May  I  not  be  refreshed  by  a  letter  from  you  1    Re- 
membrance to  friends. 

While  the  preceding  letter  was  on  its  way  to  New- 
Jersey,  the  following,  by  the  way  of  New-l^ork,  found 
J.  B.  T-  at  the  hill,  the  residence  of  his  father,  where 
he  arrived  a  few  days  after  writing  the  above. 

"  Lawrence ville,  July  6th,  1828. 
"  My  dear  Friend : 

*'  Both  Mrs.  P.  and  myself  have  become  anxious  to 
hear  from  you,  to  know  how  you  are  since  your  return, 
and  also  whether  we  are  not  to  have  the  pleasure  of 
having  you  with  us  a  little  while.  I  cannot  think  but 
that  the  air  of  our  neighbourhood  would  be  more  favour- 
able than  New-York,  and  it  would  be  a  great  satisfac- 
tion to  us  to  have  your  society,  and  to  administer  to  your 
comfort.  Tell  your  brothers  we  will  not  tempt  you  to 
transgress  as  to  diet,  etc.,  and  that  we  shall  try  to  be 
very  temperate  in  all  things.  Write,  and  tell  us  all 
abx)ut  yourself,  and  believe,  my  dear  brother,  you  have 
22* 


268  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OP 

few  friends  more  interested  for  you.  I  should  be  in- 
sensible indeed,  did  I  not  feel  some  warmth  of  attach- 
ment to  one  who  ever  evidenced  so  mnch  interest,  not 
only  for  my  present  but  eternal  well-being.  Still  re- 
member me,  and  pray  for  me,  that  as  so  much  of  my 
precious  time  has  run  to  waste,  I  may  have  grace  given 
to  me  to  redeem  what  may  remain,  and  that,  having  so 
much  to  be  forgiven,  I  may  love  much.  Oh,  for  that 
true  and  living  faith  in  his  name,  which,  as  a  fount  in  the 
soul,  shall  purify  from  sin  —  overcome  the  debasing  at- 
tachments to  the  world  —  and  implant  spiritual  and 
heaven-born  affections. 

"Yesterday,  being  the  Sabbath,  we  had  L.  H.  to 
preach  for  us.  A  very  interesting  sermon  from  He- 
brews 7 :  25.  In  the  P.  M.,  he  addressed  the  Sabbath- 
School.  I  think  him  one  of  our  choicest  men.  Resseau 
Brown  came  out  with  him  from  Princeton,  and  spent 
part  of  the  day  with  us,  and  united  in  the  expression  of 
sympathy  and  affection  towards  you.  He  said  that  he 
should  write  to  you  this  week.  He  looks  badly,  and  if 
he  does  not  relax  a  little  his  application,  I  fear  his  health 
will  fail.  I  talked  to  him  about  it,  but  he  seems  some- 
how to  have  caught  some  of  your  notions,  and  replied, 
that  he  doubted  whether  he  should  live  long,  and  of 
course  had  the  more  to  do.* 


*  This  interesting  young  man  has  since  reached,  like  young 
Taylor,  an  early  grave. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  269 

"  Mrs.  p.  unites  with  me  in  affectionate  remembrance 
to  you,  and  in  praying  that  you  may  yet  be  restored  to 
health,  and  be  continued  to  us." 

Mr.  Taylor  had  now  reached  the  residence  of  his 
parents,  and  met  the  welcome  of  his  kindred  at  the  Hill. 
Here  he  rested,  exercising  a  little  by  riding,  and  at  other 
times  walking  the  fields,  while  leaning  on  the  arm  of  a 
brother  or  sister,  or  venturing,  with  impressions  of  in- 
creased strength,  without  assistance,  upon  his  own 
powers.  From  this  he  wrote,  and  here  he  received  a 
number  of  letters.  The  first  of  the  two  succeeding  ad- 
dressed to  him,  came  by  the  way  of  New- York,  the  last, 
direct.  They  are  from  his  travelling  companion,  after 
he  arrived  home,  and  in  connexion  with  whom,  as 
having  been  often  mentioned  in  Mr.  T.'s  letters  with 
affection,  a  sufficient  interest  has  been  awakened  to 
make  them  acceptable  in  this  place. 

"  Portland,  9th  July,  1828. 
"  My  friend  and  fellow-traveller : 

"Having  arrived  at  that  delightful  place,  called 
horriej  which  I  left  five  months  since,  yesterday,  I  con- 
sider it  due  to  you  to  let  you  know  of  my  state,  as  near 
as  I  can  communicate  it. 

"  My  passage  from  New- York  to  Providence,  though 
not  very  quick,  was  pleasant  to  my  body  and  mind. 
Riding  from  Providence  to  Boston,  forty  miles,  in  one  day, 


260  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

was  too  much  for  my  strength.  I  did  not  recover  short 
of  two  days,  at  which  time  my  wife  and  my  son  met  me, 
and  after  the  excitement  of  meeting  my  friends,  I  revived 
and  remained  at  and  about  Boston  two  weeks.  The 
city  and  surrounding  country  exceed  any  views  I  evei 
saw,  excepting  some  on  the  East  River.  My  strength, 
however,  did  not  increase,  and  on  the  fifth  instant,  we 
arrived  here  in  the  steamboat,  having  had  a  very  rough 
passage.  I  became  sea-sick,  which  affected  glands, 
liver,  and  lungs,  to  my  great  relief.  I  have  been  better 
ever  since,  and  my  physicians  say  I  have  a  better  chance 
for  recovery  than  I  had  last  fall. 

"  My  friends  all  inquire  for  Mr.  T. ;  want  to  know 
how  he  is,  and  if  he  is  not  coming  this  way.  I  have 
written  Mrs.  D.,  and  my  cousin  at  Philadelphia,  and 
thus  far  have  written  you,  and  find  it  more  of  a  task  to 
write  than  I  ever  thought  it  would  be. 

"If  Mrs.  S.  were  here,  sitting  at  the  window  at 
which  I  am,  she  would  paint,  if  her  account  of  her 
ecstacies  at  fine  views  were  correct.  Some  large  hand- 
some houses  and  wide  streets  between  me  and  the 
water  —  then  our  harbour  —  then  a  point  of  Cape  Eliza- 
beth—  then  a  passage  of  water  through  which  all  out 
vessels  pass  —  then  our  island—  and  then  the  Atlantic, 
all  before  mc.  The  weather  is  warm  and  very  pleasant. 
The  garden  and  trees  around  our  house  never  in  finer 
order.  My  sleep  and  appetite  pleasant.  My  pulse 
ninety-six.     Strength  and  flesh  about  the  same. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  261 

"  And  now,  my  dear  friend,  how  are  you  ?     I  long  to 
know,  and  am,  with  respects  to  your  brother  and  family, 
"  Yours,  very  affectionately, 

"N.  Kinsman." 

"  Portland,  July  26th,  1828. 

"  My  dear  Sir  : 

"Your  favour  of  the  twentieth  instant,  came  to 
hand  yesterday,  in  which  we  all,  (who  are  at  home,) 
took  an  interest.  You,  too,  are  at  home,  sweet  and 
blessed  home.  How  peaceful  —  what  a  resting-place. 
Here,  while  sick,  we  give  up  even  the  care  of  ourselves 
to  our  friends.  I  have  only  one  care  more,  and  that  is 
to  go  to  our  beautiful  grave-yard,  with  a  friend  not  of 
our  family,  and  choose  the  small  spot  of  ground,  where, 
in  the  Lord's  time,  I  wish  to  be  placed. 

"  Now  do  not,  my  friend,  suppose  I  am  more  out  of 
health  or  spirits,  than  when  I  left  you.  Not  so.  I  am 
apparently  on  the  recovery.  My  tongue  and  throat  are 
no  longer  coated  or  sore.  Have  not  been  obliged  to 
take  an  anodyne  the  two  last  weeks.  Sleep  without 
coughing,  except  once  or  twice  in  the  night.  Com- 
plexion clear  and  eyes  bright.  Strength  increasing. 
Good  appetite  —  though  I  think  the  frogs'^  would  not 
agree  with  my  mind  at  least.  I  am,  however,  yet 
hoarse,  and  pulse  at  ninety-six.     All  other  symptoms 

*  Alluding  to  a  story  which  J.  B.  T.  told  of  a  man  swallow- 
ing small  frogs  while  alive,  believing  that  they  might  be  bene- 
ficial in  his  state  of  supposed  pulmonary  affection. 


262  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

give  way  —  to  what  ?  I  must  tell  you  that,  how- 
ever much  I  have  been  prejudiced  agamst  patent  medu 
cines^  yet,  when  in  Boston,  I  saw  such  a  certificate, 
voluntarily  given  by  a  man  of  standing,  as  to  correct 

judgement,  in  favour  of ,  that  I  have  been  induced 

to  try  it.  I  have  just  finished  the  first  bottle,  and  you 
may  judge  whether  home  and  friends  have  done  all  this. 

"  I  am  just  starting  off  for  New-Gloucester,  a  country 
town,  twenty-five  miles  north  of  this,  where  two  of  my 
daughters  are  romping  in  the  fields  for  change  of  air. 
My  son,  I  found  worn  down  on  my  return  home,  with 
the  cares  of  my  family  and  office.  He,  too,  has  left  us 
for  a  few  weeks,  on  a  journey  for  recreation  and  health. 

"  President  Tyler,  you  know,  has  accepted  our  invi- 
tation to  settle  with  us,  but  cannot  leave  H.  until  Sep- 
tember next.  I  wish  some  good  preacher  were  here  to 
supply  us  until  then.  What  a  pity  you  were  not  the  man. 
May  we  all  be  willing  the  Lord  should  direct. 
"  In  haste,  your  friend, 

"N.  Kinsman. 

"  N.  B.  I  have  yet  some  irritation  about  the  trachiso, 
though  I  think  it  healing.  Notwithstanding  all  my  flat^ 
taring  appearances,  I  think  I  have  not  more  than  two 
chances  in  five  for  recovery  from  this  attack.  My 
Philadelphia  physician  writes  me,  I  must  live  in  future 
for  the  sake  of  living.^^ 

From  The  Hill  Mr.  Taylor  now  addressed  several 


JAMES  BRIINERD   TAYLOR.  263 

notes  at  different  times,  to  his  friends  in  New-York  and 
elsewhere.  Extracts  from  these,  to  continue  the  thread 
of  this  narrative  will  be  given. 

"  July  29th. 

"  I  owed  it  to  my  brother  K.  to  answer  his  letter 
before  this.  It  has  not  been  for  want  of  time,  but 
getting  along  pretty  much  as  usual,  I  should  have  only 
the  old  story  to  tell.  You  heard  from  me,  I  presume, 
through  a  letter  to  Eliza,  sent  more  than  a  week  since. 

"  Conversation  engrosses  but  a  little  of  my  time.  As 
to  eating,  my  diet  is  confined  principally  to  bread. 
Drink  tea,  milk,  and  water.  Food  sets  well.  Drink 
some  liver-wort.  Ride  more  or  less  on  horse-back 
and  in  gig. 

"  During  the  day,  spend  some  time  in  metaphysics, 
philosophy,  and  theology.  From  the  fact  that  I  am  able 
to  do  more,  and  with  greater  facility,  I  persuade  myself 
that  I  gather  strength.  I  think  my  cough  better.  Blis- 
ters continually  applied,  have  kept  me  not  a  little  sore. 
However,  it  is  good  philosophy  to  endure  a  smaller  evil 
to  root  out  a  greater. 

"  Yesterday,  I  felt  sick  of  being  sick.  Not  so  much 
on  my  own  account,  but  on  account  of  those  so  benevo- 
lently affectioned  towards  me.  I  hope  it  did  not  rise  to 
a  complaint  of  Providence.  But  the  idea  of  so  much 
and  continued  expenditure  in  various  ways  of  time,  and 
money,  and  feelings  of  others  on  my  behalf,  and  with  so 


264  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

little,  if  any,  amendment,  sadly  affected  me.  The 
proof,  too,  that  I  have  of  its  all  flowing  from  a  fulness 
of  kindness  on  their  part,  only  tended  to  make  me 
feel  more  ;  for  a  soul  that  feels  undeserving  and  depen- 
dent cannot  but  appreciate  such  favours,  and  is  glad  to 
unburden  itself  by  expressing  a  corresponding  grati- 
tude. 

"  This  morning,  I  felt  stout  enough  to  preach.  I  am 
encouraged,  and  live  with  the  hope  of  one  day  triumph- 
ing over  debility  and  disease,  and  standing  forth  a  well 
man  to  subserve  the  cause  of  God  on  earth. 

"When  shall  we  see  you  at  the  Hill?  You  know 
how  gladly  we  all  would  welcome  you.  The  Hill  looks 
finely.*  The  trees  are  doing  well,  and  grow  luxuriantly. 
The  lover  of  scenery  will  never  tire  here,  but  alwajrs 
find  enough  to  feast  his  love  of  the  beautiful  amid  so 
much  enchantment  of  nature.  Love  to  E.  and  the 
children. 

"  Yours,  as  ever, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

"  The  Hill,  August  4th,  1828. 
"  My  dear  Brother : 

"  I  think  myself  gaining  in  strength  and  flesh, 

♦  This  is  tlie  name  by  which  the  family  residence  of  Mr.  Tay- 
lor was  known  among  his  friends.  See  the  sketch  on  the  Title- 
page.  The  scenery  at  this  point  of  the  Connecticut  is  considered 
to  be  very  fine. 


^.¥ 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR. 


265 


though  but  little  of  either.     Enough,  however,  for  en- 
couragement. 

"  I  have  been  reviewing  my  course  of  studies,  so  that 
I  am  well  nigh  prepared  for  examination  for  license. 
Two  of  my  class  were  examined,  and  licensed,  in  New- 
Haven,  week  before  last.    The  Association  meets  there 
again  on  the  last  Tuesday  of  this  month,  to  license  the 
remainder.     This  being  one  thing  which  I  wish  to  get 
out  of  the  way,  and  being  prepared  for  it,  I  have  thought 
best  to  be  hcensed,  also.     My  sermon  I  wrote,  for  the 
most  part,  when  at  the  South.     I  presume,  your  senti- 
ments on  this  point,  will  accord  with  mine.     Among 
other  reasons,  these  have  weighed  somewhat  on  my 
mind  amid  the  uncertainty  of  my  recovering,  so  as  to  be 
able  to  preach.     Should  I  be  able  to  sustain  the  duties 
of  a  Naval  Chaplain  on  board  ship,  and  a  sea-voyage 
be  recommended,  I  should  gladly  enter  such  a  sphere  of 
labourfor  the  sake  of  doing  good, and  defraying  expenses. 
Should  I  become  the  resident  of  a  West  India  Island,  as 
has  been  suggested  to  me,  if  found  to  agree  with  my 
constitution,  I  had  better  go  commissioned  to  preach 
than  otherwise.     Should  I  go  South  to  spend  the  winter, 
it  would  not  be  a  disadvantage  to  go  as  a  preacher. 
Should  I  remain  at  home,  a  burden  would  be  off  my 
mind.    So  far  then,  as  I  can  see,  I  cannot  but  conclude 
that  it  is  my  duty  to  be  examined  and  licensed  with  my 
class. 

»*  I  expect  to  go  to  New-Haven  by-and-by.     F,  is  at 
23 

■  ^Mk  ' 


266  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

home,  and  preparing  a  Latin  piece  for  commencement. 
I  think  he  wisely  concludes  to  spend  the  coming  year  at 
New-Haven.     All  well. 

"Yours  truly, 

"J.  B.  Taylor. 
"  Monday  morning.  Your  letter  by  Saturday's  boat, 
I  received.  I  now  have  the  seventh  blister  on  my 
breast.  I  look  pretty  well  to  my  diet.  I  read  aloud 
my  sermon  last  evening,  which  was  succeeded  by  less 
irritation  than  a  conversation  of  ten  minutes  would  have 
created  four  weeks  since.  So  I  am  encouraged.  On 
Thursday  morning,  I  purpose  to  go  to  New-Haven,  and 
remain  until  the  succeeding  Wednesday." 

"  New-Haven,  21st  August,  1828. 

"  My  dear  Brother  : 

"You  have  known  much  of  my  joys  and  sorrows  ; 
and  there  is  no  one  to  whom  I  love  so  much  to  commu- 
nicate them. 

"  I  arrived  here  yesterday  on  an  errand  long  anticipa- 
ted. But  I  have  given  up  the  idea  of  being  licensed. 
An  interview  with  Dr.  Taylor,  which  I  have  just  had, 
convinces  me  that  it  may  be  better  to  defer  it.  If  licensed , 
the  temptation  to  preach  may  be  so  great,  that,  at  an 
hour  when  invited,  I  might  suppose  myself  able,  he 
said,  and  one  sermon  may  kill  me.  He  added,  the 
question  ought  not  to  be  agitated  for  a  year  to  come  — 
for  the  winter  certainly  —  whether  I  am  able  or  not. 


#'  » 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  267 

promise  of  another  young  man  to  use  his  influence  in 
procuring  for  him  this  autumn,  on  loan,  $100  or  $160, 
for  the  term  of  one  year.  His  calculation  is  to  go  out 
and  teach  school,  at  the  expiration  of  his  junior-year  to 
procure  the  money,  and  refund  it  with  interest.  Is  it  in 
your  power  (I  know  it  is  in  your  heart,)  to  aid  this 
young  man?  It  is  not  his  cause  —  it  is  not  mine  —  it 
And  should  you,  he  went  on,  become  as  ruddy  and 
fleshy  as  Mr. ,  alluding  to  one  of  our  most  corpu- 
lent men,  you  ought  not  to  preach,  but  get  well  and  con- 
firmed in  your  health.  More.  Your  duty  is  not  so 
much  to  do  good  now,  as  to  wait  your  full  recovery  to 
do  the  greater  good  by-and-by.'  I  wept — yielded  — 
and  now  tell  you  the  story. 

"He  perceived  the  better  appearance  my  countenance 
assumes,  and  was  glad  of  the  fact,  that  I  am  convales- 
cent. I  do  think  myself  decidedly  on  the  gaining  hand, 
and  were  I  now  to  do  the  right  thing,  there  is  not  only 
the  possibility  but  the  high  probability  of  my  recovering, 
and  living  some  years  yet  to  bless  mankind.  Dr.  T. 
remarked,  that  peradventure,  God  was  intending  me  for 
another  clime.  Pray  that  I  may  be  led  in  the  right 
way. 

"  To  attend  the  review  in  which  the  class  will  be  en- 
gaged, for  a  few  sittings,  till  Monday,  when  they  are  to 
be  licensed,  I  may  remain  in  New-Haven  a  week  or 
ten  days.  It  will  be  instructive  to  sit  and  hear  questions 
aaked  and  answered. 

**  In  Mrs.  Isham's  family  there  are  four  young  ladies 


268  TRIBUTE   TO  THE    MEMORY  OF 

hopefully  born  again,  lately,  and  much  seriousnesa  pre- 
Yails  in  thf3  family.     Tell  J.,  and  he  m&y  write  C. 

"  Should  be  glad  to  hear  from  you  while  here.  Dr. 
S.  is  in  New-Haven,  quite  an  invalid. 

"  Yours,  as  ever, 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

«  The  Hill,  September  7th,  1828. 

"  Dear  brother  B. 

"  Although  you  are  in  my  debt  in  the  exchange  of 
letters,  you  will  hear  me  patiently,  and  I  trust  gladly. 

"  I  have  been  gaining  so  much  lately,  that  were 
you  to  see  me,  you  would  acknowledge  a  perceptible 
change  for  the  better.  And  were  you  beside  me,  I 
could  now  converse  longer  than  at  the  moment  I  saw 
you,  when  I  could  but  little  more  than  give  you  my 
hand.  My  lungs  have  become  less  irritable  —  my 
countenance  less  palid  —  strength  increased.  Who 
knows  but  that  I  may  yet  stand  on  Zion's  watch-tower  t 

The  scenery  around  me  is  delightful,  and  one  above 
many.  The  views  on  the  south-east  and  south-west 
are  bounded  by  a  range  of  lofty  hills  of  circular  form. 
Interspersed  are  plains  and  meads,  and  shady  groves. 
We  overlook  the  village  about  a  mile  distant  —  the  Con- 
necticut glides  at  the  foot  of  a  gradual  descent,  disap- 
pears at  a  distance,  and  reappears  again  as  it  winds  its 
course  towards  the  ocean. 

"  Why  I  write  you  at  this  moment  more  particularly 
is,  to  comply  with  your  request,  that  I  would  present 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  269 

objects  which  will  open  to  you  the  way  of  doing  good. 
I  know  a  young  man  of  talents,  more  than  ordinary, 
who  is  athirst  for  an  education,  poor  in  this  world's  goods, 
but  whose  profession  tells  us  is  rich  in  faith,  and  who 
has  in  view  the  ministry.  He  is  a  member  of  the  So- 
phomore Class,  in  Yale  College,  and  will  become  a 
junior  next  term.  He  has  been  kept  along,  through  the 
is  not  yours,  abstractly  considered,  that  I  plead,  but  the 
cause  of  benevolence,  and  of  God,  which  we  all  love  to 
further. 

"  Should  this  young  man  die,  all  the  security  he  could 
offer  besides  his  note,  would  be  to  point  you  to  the  re- 
surrection of  the  just 

"Yours,  affectionately, 

"James  B.  Taylor. 

"  Please  address  me  at  New-Haven.  I  expect  to  be 
there  on  Wednesday  next."  * 

"  September  9th,  1828. 
"  Dear  brother  : 

"  Instead  of  sending  this  letter,  I  had  hoped  to  see 
you  in  person.  But  owing  to  a  late  attack,  of  which  I 
am  now  well  nigh  recovered,  I  concluded  that  it  would 

*  The  above  note  was  handed  to  Mr.  B.  by  a  friend,  to  whom 
Mr.  B.,  in  the  benevolence  and  generosity  of  his  heart  rephed,  "  1 
would  do  any  thing  which  James  Taylor  would  recommend."   ■ 
23* 


270  TRIBUTE  TO   THE  MEMORY  OP 

be  better  for  me  to  remain  at  home,  than  to  undergo  the 
fatigues  of  Commencement  at  Yale,  though  F.  would 
like  to  have  me  there.  Though  prostrated  a  little  in  my 
strength  by  this  attack,  I  probably  am  bettered  by  it.  I 
find  my  lungs  less  and  less  irritated. 

"  Thus,  I  am  here  at  anchor.  No  head  wind  but 
blows  some  one  good.  I  hope  to  ride  out  the  storm 
patiently,  amid  so  many  comforts.  The  sky,  so  long 
lowering,  often  seems  to  break  away,  and  winged  hope 
places  me  where  I  have  longed  to  be,  —  in  the  vineyard. 

**  Yesterday  I  read, 

'  The  youth. 
Who,  in  the  glowing  morn  of  vigorous  life, 
High  reaching  after  great  religious  deed, 
Was  suddenly  cut  off  with  all  his  hope, 
In  sunny  bloom,  and  unaccomphshed,  left 
His  withered  aims  —  saw  everlasting  days 
Before  him  dawning  rise  in  which  to  achieve 
All  glorious  things.' 

"My  heart  broke  as  I  read,  and  I  wept.  0,  my 
dear  brother,  it  is  hard  work,  but  it  is  good  work!  And 
I  am  gaining,  and  ought  to  be  thankful.  A  course  of 
suffering  may  be  the  necessary  means  to  prepare  nae 
for  a  sphere  of  high  action  both  in  this  and  in  the  other 
world.  Think  not  that  I  complain.  No.  I  think,  for 
the  universe,  I  would  not  take  my  cause  into  my  own 
hands. 

"  Should  you  have  time,  will  you  give  Mrs.  P.  a  call  ? 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  271 

And  why  not  give  us  a  call  on  the  Hill  ?  Your  heart 
has  been  gladdened  with  a  parent's  joy,  by  the  return 
of  H.  Gladly  would  our  parents,  and  all,  see  you  and 
yours. 

**  Ever,  and  much  obliged, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

It  will  be  perceived  by  the  preceding  letter,  that  Mr. 
Taylor  was  now  at  his  father's,  after  having  returned 
from  New-Haven,  whither  he  made  occasional  excur- 
sions, and  the  last  one  with  the  expectation  of  being  ex- 
amined and  licensed  with  his  class  in  the  Theological 
Department  in  Yale-College.  For  the  time,  he  rehn- 
quished  all  further  idea  of  applying  for  the  commission 
to  preach  the  Gospel,  towards  which  he  had  so  long 
looked  with  intense  desire  and  happy  anticipation.  But 
not  many  weeks  after,  while  at  his  father's,  he  learned 
that  the  Middlesex- Association  was  soon  to  meet,  and 
in  conversation  with  a  clerical  friend  in  the  neighbour- 
hood, his  relinquished  purposes  as  to  immediate  exami- 
nation, which  he  had  given  up  in  conversation  with  Dr. 
Taylor,  were  revived.  And  with  these  renewed  pur- 
poses he  attended  the  Association,  which  met  at  East- 
Haddam,  October  8th,  1828,  and  in  the  language  of  the 
memoir,  "  Read  his  trial  sermon  on  the  text,  John  xii : 
26.  *  If  any  man  serve  me,  him  will  my  Father  honour' 
—  was  examined  with  respect  to  his  own  religious  ex- 
perience, his  knowledge  of  Christian  theology,  and  his 


272  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

ability  to  teach  and  defend  the  truths  of  the  Gospel — all 
which  were  approved,  and  he  was  licensed,  according  to 
the  practice  of  the  churches  of  New- England,  to  preach 
as  a  candidate  for  the  Gospel  ministry." 

From  this  Association  he  returned  to  the  Hill,  where 
a  letter  was  awaiting  him  from  his  brother  at  New- 
York,  desiring  him  immediately  to  revisit  the  city  in 
reference  to  arrangements  for  his  winter  residence, 
where  mutual  counsel  and  the  advice  of  physicians 
should  direct. 

In  view  of  this  request,  Mr.  T.  prepared  to  leave  hi« 
father's  house  again,  hoping  that  he  was  improving  in 
health,  but  not  knowing  what  would  be  the  result  of  the 
proposed  measure. 

The  person  who  has  ever  felt  the  filial  sympathies, 
and  whose  bosom  has  swelled  with  the  devout  attach- 
ment of  an  affectionate  child  towards  kind  and  endeared 
parents,  can  enter  into  the  feelings  of  James  Taylor,  as 
ho  was  again  about  to  leave  his  parental  roof,  for  another 
dime.  How  could  it  be  otherwise  than  that  the  thought 
should  obtrude  itself  upon  the  sensitive  spirit  of  one 
with  affections  such  as  were  his.  That  he  was  about  to 
leave  his  endeared  home,  perhaps  forever  1  Not  for 
himself  did  he  feel.  He  knew  and  valued  the  deep 
affection  of  his  kindred.  And  it  was  for  them  he  felt. 
He  thought  that  they  might  be  disappointed,  grievously ; 
and  instead  of  again  greeting  them  with  his  wonted 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  273 

smile,  the  news,  ere  long,  might  be  sent  them,  that  he 
rested  in   a  foreign  grave  —  a  departed  stranger. 

It  is  remembered  by  the  family,  that  they  had  gather- 
ed around  the  breakfast  table  on  the  morning  of  his 
departure.  All  was  as  cheerful  as  smiling  countenan- 
ces, which  tried  to  conceal  sad  hearts,  could  make  it. 
But  it  soon  became  evident  that  it  was  a  forced  state  o 
cheerfulness,  and  the  heart  could  no  longet  conceal 
itself.  With  a  calm  and  unfaltering  voice,  Mr.  T. 
said  to  his  father,  that  if  he  did  not  return,  such  and 
such  things  were  at  his  disposal.  It  was  too  much ! 
His  father  moved  his  chair  from  the  table,  and  buried 
his  head  in  his  handkerchief,  and  wept  aloud.  The  rest 
vacated  their  seats  at  the  table,  and  sought  their  cham- 
bers, and  wept  there.  A  short  time  passed,  while  Mr. 
Taylor  retained  his  seat,  and  the  different  members  soon 
returned  and  resumed  theirs.  It  was  a  blending  of  tears, 
long  pent  up,  which  gave  them  relief;  and  now  they 
talked  more  freely,  and  with  hopes  and  prayers  that  he 
would  yet  be  returned  to  them  much  recruited,  in  the 
coming  summer.  Soon  after,  the  carriage  was  at  the 
door,  and  he  and  one  of  his  younger  brothers  drove  from 
the  home  of  his  many  and  dearest  earthly  associations. 
He  never  saw  it  more  ! 


SECTION   XIII. 

In  due  time,  Mr.  Taylor  reached  New- York  by  the  way 
of  New-Haven,  from  his  father's.  The  following  aie 
minutes  from  a  brief  journal,  which  he  commenced,  on 
his  reaching  his  brother's  in  New- York,  previous  to  his 
embarkation  for  the  South,  and  ended  on  the  day  of  his 
going  to  sea. 

"Bond-street,  New- York,  1828. 

"  October,  15th. 

"On  the  eighth  instant,  was  licensed  to  preach  the 
Gospel  by  the  Middlesex-Association,  convened  at 
East-Haddam,  Connecticut.  It  was  a  pleasant  season- 
Formed  a  new  and  delightful  acquaintance  in  the  family 
of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Parsons.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P.  seemed 
kindly  affectioned,  and  given  to  hospitality.  I  stayed 
with  them,  and  became  warmly  attached  to  both. 

"  Met  my  old  friend  and  dear  father  in  the  ministry, 
Rev.  Mr.  Hotchkiss. 

"  On  the  ninth,  A.  M.,  left  my  parental  roof,  on  my 
way  to  a  Southern  clime.  Our  mutual  tears  flowed  at  the 
sound,  FAREWELL !    Dear,  kind,  affectionate  kindred. 

"  Tenth.  Reached  New-Haven,  and  one  of  my  kindly 
remembered  homes.  Again  enjoyed  the  social  and 
friendly  intercourse  of  kindred  spirits.     Our  Christian 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  275 

communion  was  doubly  sweet.  I  enjoyed  refreshings 
—  especially  at  Sunday  evening  exercises,  in  which  all 
were  melted.     Left  Mrs.  Isham's  on  the  thirteenth. 

"  Yesterday  evening,  met  those  I  love  in  New-York, 
and  again  occupy  a  loved  habitation,  and  again  receive 
the  kind  sympathies  and  offices  of  my  kindred. 

*'Met  Mrs.  Palmer  and  Mary,  who  embark  to-morrow 
for  Charleston.  They  urge  me  to  accompany  them.  I 
lie  moored,  and  with  sweet  patience  wait  the  decision  of 
physicians  and  friends.     Will  God  direct. 

"  Last  night,  though  restless  and  wakeful,  I  was 
meltingly  blessed.  My  soul's  enjoyment  of  God  and 
heaven  in  the  night  season  filled  me  with  solid  peace  and 
strong  confidence  in  him.  I  think  I  know,  and  have 
felt  for  a  season  past,  especially  last  night,  what  the 
*  straiV  is,  in  which  Paul  was.  I  wet  my  couch  with 
tears.  I  longed  to  fly  away  to  Jesus.  Yet  I  longed  to 
stay  and  labour  in  his  cause.  I  can  neither  say,  let  me 
die,  nor  let  me  live.  My  heart  cries  out  for  God  to  lead 
and  dispose  of  my  all.  I  am  in  his  hands,  and  he  will 
guide  me,  even  unto  death. 

**  18th.  I  am  now  waiting  the  arrival  of  medical  men 
to  examine  and  pronounce  upon  my  case.  Should  they 
say  less  than  that  I  am  in  a  confirmed  consumption,  or 
at  least,  on  the  confines  of  it,  I  shall  be  disappointed. 

*'  Yesterday  P.  M.  and  evening,  I  enjoyed  sweet 
meltings  in  view  of  the  many  mercies  surrounding  me. 
Surely,  if  onTmy  way  to  an  early  grave,  I  am  going 


276  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

down  most  comfortably.     Dear  K.  and  E.  load  me  with 
benefits. 

"It  is  sweet  to  look  beyond  time.  I  think  I  can  look 
upon  my  labouring  days  as  gone  by,  and  peradventure, 
I  shall  soon  enter  upon  a  long  resting  day.  It  has 
made  my  heart  ache  and  break,  to  think  that  I  should 
be  put  aside  so  soon.  But  grace  is  sufficient.  I  am 
sweetly  patient.  The  Father  smiles  upon  his  child.  A 
sympathizing  Jesus  attends  me.  A  comfort  and  joy  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  pervade  my  soul. 

"  In  the  retrospect  it  appears  to  me  that  God  has  de- 
signed to  perfect  me  through  suffering  —  pain  of  body 
and  disappointment  of  spirit  as  to  the  ministry.  Well, 
I  am  a  witness  to  the  wise  dealings  of  the  Wise  One, 
God  knows  what  is  best,  and  that  is  best  for  me.  He 
hath  so  led  me,  as  he  leadeth  one  to  holiness,  and  hap- 
piness, and  to  heaven.     Amen. 

"  Oct.  19th.  The  physicians  came.  The  result  of 
their  examination  was  unexpected.  Dr.  A.,  of  the 
Lung  Infirmary,  pronounced  my  luiigs  good.  So  far  as 
he  could  discover  with  the  Stethescope,  and  otherwise, 
he  considered  me  sound,  save  the  affection  of  the  mucus 
membrane,  which  they  would  endeavour  to  relieve.  So, 
it  seems,  I  may  yet  recover,  and  yet  live  to  preach  the 
Gospel.  Still,  uncertainty  hangs  over  my  debilitated 
and  overdone  system. 

"From  the  examination,  it  was  discovered  that  the 
origin  of  my  painful  days  and  nights,  for  two  years  and 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  277 

more  past,  was  a  spinal  affection,  which  disease  com- 
menced, continued,  and  I  hope  terminated,  without  being 
found  out.  Should  not  physicians  be  more  particular  to 
examine,  in  time,  local  affections  ? 

"  2Sth.  Yesterday,  had  sweet  thoughts  of  Jesus. 
The  thought  of  becoming  a  pure,  disembodied  spirit, 
refreshed  my  soul.  And  last  night,  after  I  had  re- 
tired, a  precious  love-token  was  handed  down  to  the 
unworthiest.  The  Lord  remembereth  that  I  am  but 
dust  —  that  I  am  of  a  weak,  debiUtated,  and  feeble 
frame.  Often  I  find  it  a  laborious  task  to  repeat  the 
four  lines, 

'  Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep,'  &c. 

**  Greatly  fatiguing  to  repeat  the  Lord's  prayer.  How 
mercifully  the  Lord  accommodates  himself  to  this  weak- 
ness. The  other  night,  I  had  but  just  laid  down,  and 
thought  on 

*  Religion  gives  sweet  pleasures  while  we  live,'  &c. 

And  my  soul  was  sweetly  melted.  So,  at  times,  during 
the  day,  in  my  lonely  hours,  as  I  sit  and  while  away  the 
time,  unable  to  apply  myself  to  study  or  reading  long. 
Last  night  was  most  refreshingly  baptized  —  an  unction 
from  the  Holy  One.  It  rendered  me  happy  —  happy 
on  my  way  to  a  happy  heaven,  and  the  residence  of  the 
glorified.  Raving  laid  me  down  for  the  night,  I  thought 
24 


278  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

on  my  anticipated  departure  —  on  leaving  friends,  and 
yet  going  on  my  way,  peradventure,  where  others  should 
become  endeared.  I  thought  on  meeting  one  at  P., 
(L.  H.)  He  seemed  to  inquire  whether  I  had  solici- 
tude to  preach  the  Gospel.  No,  I  replied,  as  the 
thoughts  passed  through  my  mind.  The  days  of  my 
soUcitude,  I  added,  are  gone  by.  Then,  I  remembered 
seasons  of  anxiety,  deep,  nay  burnings,  that  I  had  had 
for  the  work  of  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ.  My  eyes 
ran  down  with  tears.  I  wet  my  couch,  and  was  greatly 
melted  under  the  sweet  consciousness  of  an  honest 
appeal  to  God,  who  had  ever  marked  my  steps.  The 
seasons  of  longing  have  not  been  few  in  which  I  have 
groaned  for  the  work,  and  for  preparation  for  it.  The 
thought  of  relinquishing  this  object,  now  I  rejoiced  in,  if 
God  will.  Nay,  I  was  rather  desirous  of  leaving  all 
behind,  and  to  go  to  Jesus.  I  see,  I  think,  enough 
worth  dying  for. 

"29th.  Yesterday,  A.  M.,  my  young  twin  brothers 
arrived  in  New- York,  and  have  become  located  as 
clerks.  May  they  prove  ornaments.  0,  for  that  shield 
for  them  that  wards  off  the  darts  of  the  enemy !  From 
letters,  it  seems,  that  our  loved  family  felt  much  on  their 
leaving.  With  solicitude  they  arc  followed,  and  the  morn- 
ing and  evening  altar  burns  incense  for  them.  Of  the 
seven  sons,  I  am  the  invalid.  Of  the  seven,  I  am  ap- 
parently the  fastest  on  my  way  to  the  grave. 

"  To-day,  I  wept  at  the  thought  of  soon  leaving  my 
dear  friends  far  behind.     I  shall  part  with  them  more 


JAMES    BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  279 

an  invalid  than  when  I  went  South  last  spring.  It 
grieves  me  not  to  think  of  bidding  them  adieu,  even  if 
it  prove  my  last  farewell.  I  love  them.  When  happi- 
fied,  glorified,  how  much  more.  Peace  and  heaven^s 
choicest  benedictions  attend  them.  It  is  sweet  to  think 
of  falling  into  the  arms  of  Jesus.  It  was  melting  to 
confide  in  God  as  Father,  who  adapts  himself  to  the 
frailties  of  his  little  one.  I  wept  in  his  presence  as  I 
remembered  my  disobedience.  What  great  grace  is 
mercy.  There  is  forgiveness  with  God.  Delightfully 
pleasant  was  it  to  contemplate  the  Holy  Spirit  as  Com- 
forter. I  longed  to  see  of  the  things  of  Christ  more 
and  more  brightly. 

"How  mercifully  does  the  Lord  deal  with  me  —  an 
invalid,  and  weak  indeed.  He  carries  me  along  in  a 
chariot,  all  paved  with  love.  Roll  on  then,  ye  wheels, 
and  bring  me  a  welcome  saint,  to  the  dwelling  place  of 
Jesus,  my  dearest  Beloved. 

"  Nov.  1st.  Last  evening,  enjoyed  the  meeting  held 
in  this  house.  Was  sweetly  refreshed  under  the  prayer 
of  dear  brother  J.  B. 

"  Returned  to-day  from  the  last  sitting  for  my  portrait, 
taken  at  the  proposition  of  sister  Eliza.  I  enjoyed  the 
season,  in  communion  With  those  dear  men,  while  they 

painted.     Brothers and ,  I  think  are  men  of 

God. 

"  3d.  I  have  written  several  last  letters.  To  Mrs.  Dr. 
P.,  Mr.  Kinsman,  Dr.  T.  and  my  relatives. 


280  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

Thus  ends  this  interesting  scrap  of  paper.  To  these 
letters,  here  referred  to,  and  to  others,  we  go  back,  to 
learn  further  particulars  in  connexion  with  his  arrange- 
ments, and  the  selection  of  the  place  for  his  winter  resi- 
dence, which  was  to  prove  the  final  and  peaceful  home 
of  his  long  agonized  body. 

*»  Bond-street,  15th  Oct.,  1828. 

"  My  dear  Parents : 

"  Having  safely  arrived  here,  you  will  be  glad  to 
hear  of  my  way,  and  arrangements  in  relation  to  my 
winter  destination. 

"  My  stay  at  New-Haven  was  longer  than  I  anticipa- 
ted. Wishing  to  avoid  the  fatigue  of  the  ride  from  New- 
Haven  to  New- York,  I  took  the  steamboat  at  New- 
Haven.  The  wind  was  so  high  the  boat  did  not  ven- 
ture out  on  Monday.  Tuesday  morning  I  left  New- 
Haven  and  reached  our  friends  in  the  evening. 

"  At  New-Haven  I  had  much  enjoyment.  Owing  to 
the  fatigues  and  exposure  during  yesterday,  I  did  not 
sleep  well.  But  the  hours,  though  sleepless,  passed 
happily.  I  think,  my  dear  parents,  I  feel  as  Paul  felt, 
when  he  said,  '  I  am  in  a  strait  betwixt  two.'  Earth,  in 
many  respects,  is  desirable.  Heaven,  in  many,  more. 
Believe  that  your  son,  though  an  invalid,  is  happy. 

"  I  am  as  well  as  when  I  left  you.  Nothing  is  yet 
particularly  fixed  upon  as  to  my  winter  residence.  Mrs. 
P.  of  Charleston,  I  saw  to-day,  who  still  urges  my 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  281 

going  to  her  home,  and,  to  be  her  son  until  Decem- 
ber —  then  to  go  to  St.  Augustine,  till  the  spring.  She 
sails  to-morrow.  I  may  follow  on  in  a  week  or  two.  I 
may  go  to  Dr.  Rice's.  You  will  hear  upon  our  decis- 
ion.    Samuel  sends  love". 

To  J.  B.  T. 

"  New-Haven,  Thursday-noon,  Oct.  14th. 

"  Dear  Mr.  T. 
"  Accompanying  this  I  send  your  cane,  which  we 
found  standing  solitary  in  the  parlour.  It  seemed  to  be 
mourning  after  its  master,  and  to  understand  quite  well 
the  feelings  of  our  household.  Had  it  tongue  and  voice, 
I  have  no  doubt  it  would  have  kindly  assured  us  of  its 
tenderest  sympathies  in  being  obliged  to  part  with  so 
dear  a  friend. 

"  Dear  Mr.  T.,  we  send  this  cane,  begging  it  to  tes- 
tify of  our  truest  regard  for  its  master,  and  our  fervent 
wishes  for  his  best  happiness,  wherever  he  may  be 
called.  Our  thoughts,  our  prayers,  our  gratitude  will 
follow  him  in  all  his  peregrinations,  and  we  shall  earnest- 
ly desire  to  know,  whatever  pertains  to  his  *  weal  and 
wo.'  Allow  us,  also,  to  be  comforted  with  the  hope, 
that  though  mingling  with  other  scenes  more  interest- 
ing, important,  and  absorbing,  the  household  of  the 
widow  may  not  be  forgotten ;  believing,  as  we  do,  that 
♦  the  prayer  of  a  righteous  man,  availeth  much.* 
24* 


282  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"  When  you  can  find  time  to  send  us  a  line,  we  shall 
be  very,  very  thankful. 

"  I  am,  dear  friend  and  brother, 

"  Yours,  with  much  Christian  affection. 

"C.I. 
"  I  felt  disappointed  that  I  could  not  say  that  dear, 
withering  aching  word — farewell. 

"  Bond-street,  28th  Oct.,  1828. 

"  My  dear  parents  will  be  glad  to  hear  that  I  am 
apparently  on  the  gaining  hand.  I  have  submitted  to  a 
new  examination  of  my  chest.  Dr.  A.  pronounced  me 
sound,  as  to  the  lungs.  He  discovered  the  cause  of  all 
the  extreme  pain  which  I  have  endured.  It  seems  that 
all  my  many-formed  complaints,  rheumatism,  despepsia, 
and  so  on,  has  been  a  spinal  affection.  Thankful  ought 
I  to  be,  that  it  was  not  worse.  He  thinks  the  disease 
cured,  and  self  cured.  You  know  the  prescription  has 
been  diet  and  abstinance.  It  is  otherwise  now.  Well, 
that  I  stole  the  march  of  them  a  little  this  summer,  at 
the  Hill.*  I  feel  that  I  am  gaining  strength,  though 
expectoration  is  not  diminished. 

"  During  this  week,  I  shall  probably,  complete  my 
out- fit.  K.  and  E.  study  with  exactness  for  my  com- 
fort, and  anticipate  my  wants. 

♦  He  alludes  here  to  his  indulging  in  eating  fruits,  while  at  his 
father's,  particularly  peaches  and  cream.  By  it,  he  grew  fleshier 
and  stronger. 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  283 

<*  The  place  of  my  destination  is  Prince  Edward 
County,  Virginia,  with  Dr.  Rice.  Probably  I  shall  be 
off  as  soon  as  ten  days  hence. 

"  I  feel  somewhat  encouraged,  and  quite  contented  — 
in  prospect.     I  may  recover. 

"  My  hearty  thanks  for  all  your  loaded  kindnesses  the 
past  summer.     My  faults  forgive. 

"  Brother  expected  the  boys  last  week.  Why  their 
delay  ]     Will  not  father  be  here  before  I  leave  1 

30th.  The  boys  arrived  this  A.  M.  G.  will  go  into 
Mr.  D.  G.'s  store.  A.  will  remain  with  K.  The  offi- 
ces are  in  the  same  building,  and  consequently,  they  will 
all  be  near.  You  may  expect  to  hear  from  me  on  my 
departure. 

"  Affectionately, 

"James." 

"  Mr.  and  Mrs.  P. 

"  My  much  loved  friends  : 

*         *         *         * 

"Oct.  31st.  The  above,  as  you  perceive,  I  wrote  nearly 
a  month  since.  Hither  I  have  come  to  sojourn,  but  three 
days  longer.  On  Monday,  the  canvass  will  be  spread 
to  waft  me  not  to  your  dwelling,  but  to  a  haven  appoint- 
ed by  physicians  and  friends.  I  am  to  set  sail  for 
Petersburg.  Thence  I  go  to  Prince  Edward  County, 
Virginia,  to  winter,  unless  in  mercy,  I  am  taken  to  a 
clime  more  desirable. 


284  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

**  I  have  detained  this  in  hopes  that  in  person  I  might 
see  you.  I  had  designed  to  pass  through  Princeton 
and  Lawrenceville.  But  as  my  health  does  not  war- 
rant the  fatigues  of  journeying,  and  the  excitement  of 
seeing  friends,  I  am  denied  the  pleasure.  It  is  a  self- 
denial.  Peradventure,  I  may  return  in  the  spring  better 
able  to  enjoy  the  society  of  those  I  love.  If  not,  the 
land  of  dear  delights  is  before  me. 

*'  Do  you  ask  how  I  am  in  my  protracted  afflictions  ? 
The  Lord  doeth  all  things  well.  Sweet  thoughts  of 
Jesus  melt  my  soul.  Communion  with  heaven  is  soul- 
elevating  and  soul-transforming.  In  a  word,  I  am  a  hap- 
py, though  a  sick  and  dying  man.  The  Lord  most 
gently  and  mercifully  hands  me  down  the  hill  of  life, 
and  the  final  step  seems  not  a  great  way  off.  0,  it  will 
be  sweet  to  take  this  last  step  and  walk  into  eternity ! 
To  me,  the  grave  wears  choice  attire  —  Paradise,  more 
choice.  I  wish,  and  often  with  longing,  to  see  Jesus 
as  he  is  —  to  mingle  with  the  holy  above,  and  to  sing 
the  songs  of  the  shining  ones.  0,  think  not  that  I  am 
gloomy  or  depressed!  Far  —  far  —  very  Tar  from  it. 
Think  of  me  as  one  visited  from  above  —  as  one  rolled 
on  in  a  chariot  of  love  —  as  one  who  loves  you.  And 
think  of  me,  and  pray  for  me  as  one  feeble,  shattered, 
tottering,  and  almost  falling  —  falling  into  the  arms  of 
pur  Beloved. 

"  If  my  last,  my  most  affectionate  adieu. 

"James  B.  Taylor." 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  285 

"  Bond-Street,  31st  Oct.,  1828. 

"  Dear  Mrs.  P. 

"  I  am  now  seated  to  write  a  few  last  letters,  ere  the 
sound  of  the  withering  adieu. 

*'  Gladly,  and  for  reasons  not  a  few,  would  I  have  the 
sails  spread  to  waft  me  to  Charleston ;  but  on  Monday 
next,  they  must  open  to  convey  me  to  another  port.  My 
winter  residence  is  fixed  upon,  and  my  physicians  think 
the  location  preferable  to  other  proposed  places.  I  em- 
bark for  Petersburg.  Thence  I  go  to  Prince  Edward, 
Virginia.  There,  and  in  the  region  about,  I  propose  to 
remain  during  the  winter. 

"  Thanks  to  God,  to  you,  and  to  your  dear  family,  for 
the  interest  you  all  have  evinced  for  the  invalid.  I  am 
sure  more  than  my  thanks  will  await  you  at  the  resur- 
rection of  the  Just. 

"  You  would  know  of  my  affairs.  Health  of  body 
and  the  prosperity  of  the  *  inner  man,'  now  mostly  oc- 
cupy me.  Physicians  have  consulted  my  case,  and  the 
result  of  their  examinations  has  been  more  favourable 
than  I  had  anticipated.  I  love  not,  however,  to  flatter 
myself,  though  they  speak  as  they  do,  and  I  trust  are 
honest  men.  Why  should  I  desire  life  here,  when  the 
grave  has  lost  its  alarms  to  me,  and  heaven  woos  my 
longing  spirit  to  itself? 

"  While  I  make  health  my  primary  object,  I  am  glad 
the  responsibility  is  on  others  in  directing  my  case. 
Let  me  assure  you,  that  I  am  handed  down  most  gently 


286  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

and  most  mercifully,  whether  my  steps  are  rapidly  or 
slowly  tending  to  the  narrow  house.  The  good  shep- 
herd takes  pecuhar  care  of  his  feeble  lamb.  Am  I 
a  childj  born  from  above  ?  It  would  fail  me  to  tell  of 
our  Father's  smiles.  Am  I  a  disciple  of  Jesus?  He 
teaches  me.  Is  he  a  High  Priest  1  0,1  enjoy  his 
sympathies !  He  allows  the  intimacy  of  an  Elder 
Brother.  I  lean  on  his  arm — repose  on  his  bosom. 
The  Holy  Spirit  often  baptizes  me,  and  burns  up  as 
with  fire,  the  '  dross  and  tin.'  Yes,  my  dear  friend,  it 
seems  to  me,  so  to  express  it,  that  I  am  going  in  a  heaven 
to  the  happy  dwelling-place  of  the  holy.  I  say  this 
truth  to  the  honour  of  great  grace.  —  For  the  most  part 
I  am  happy  in  God. 

"  How  long  before  this  body,  already  shaken  and 
tottering,  shall  fall,  is  known  alone  on  high.  If  soon, 
I  see  quite  enough  of  reason  for  sweet,  melting,  joyful, 
and  exulting  submission.  Is  God  benevolent"?  Are 
those  who  bear  his  moral  image  benevolent?  Will 
God  and  his  children  forever  sustain  this  character? 
What  now  constitutes  their  high  pleasure?  Voluntary, 
benevolent  action.  In  heaven,  I  think,  kind  offices 
are  performed  and  reciprocated.  There  we  shall  carry 
forward  our  powers  of  doing  good.  There  we  hope  to 
engage  in  a  higher  sphere,  and  render  a  perfect  service. 

"  I  remember  M.'s  testimony  to  the  renewals  of  the 
Spirit.  She  will  suffer  the  exhortation,  'Hold  fast 
whereunto  thou  hast  attained,  and  let  none  take  thy 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  287 

crown.'  0,  the  increase  of  power  arising  from  the 
communications  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Clad  in  the  whole 
armour  of  God,  we  may  march  onward  and  upward  in 
Zion's  way,  conquering  as  we  go,  and  secure  the  heaven- 
ly crown.  Through  your  prayers  1  may  wear  it  yet 
more  bright. 

"  We  were  glad  to  learn  from  the  papers  of  your  safe 
and  short  passage.  My  brother  and  sister  join  with  me 
in  love  to  yourself.  To  your  family,  the  affection  of  one 
who  remembers  them  kindly. 

"  In  the  best  bonds, 

"James  B.  Taylor. 

"To  my  Charleston  friends,  please  say  of  me,  as  you 
learn  by  this  epistle.  A  letter  from  the  hand  of  any  of 
your  household  would  be  welcomed.  Direct  to  the  care 
of  Rev.  Dr.  Rice,  Prince  Edward  County,  Virginia. 
It  would  meet  me. 

"  Bond-street,  1st  Nov.,  1828. 

"  Among  my  last  letters  before  I  embark,  one  must 
go  to  the  Hill. 

"  You  will  be  g-lad  to  know  that  I  think  I  have  gained 
some  strength  since  I  left  you.  In  no  respect  do  I  think 
myself  worse. 

"  Day  after  to-morrow  is  the  appointed  time  for  the 
sailing  of  the  Tantivy.  The  passage  to  Petersburg  is 
generally  made  from  two  to  six  days.  Every  want  is 
supplied,  and  1  am  very  contented  and  happy  in  what  I 


288  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

believe  the  will  of  God.  Were  it  not  for  my  excess  of 
raising,  I  should  think  more  flatteringly  of  my  case. 
But  you  must  think  of  me  as  most  mercifully  dealt  with 
by  our  common  Lord.  Think  of  me  as  free  from  pain, 
and  very  comfortable.  On  my  arrival,  you  may  expect 
to  hear  from  me. 

"  With  love  to  you  all, 

"  A  son  and  brother,  affectionate, 

"James. 

*'  Should  you  visit  Bond-street,  you  may  see  a  por- 
trait of  J.  B.  T.,  suspended  to  the  walls.  It  is  pro- 
nounced good.  I  have  been  five  times  —  finish  to- 
day." 

"  Bond-street,  3d  Nov.,  1828. 

"  Very  dear  Sir  ; 

"  About  to  set  sail,  you  will  be  glad  to  know  of  my 
destination  for  the  winter.  My  physicians  and  friends 
think  the  valley  of  Virginia  preferable  to  other  proposed 
locations.  Prince  Edward  County,  and  the  region  round 
about,  are  said  to  be  free  from  that  humidity  which  is 
perceptible  in  Charleston  and  at  St.  Augustine.  To 
Prince  Edward,  by  the  way  of  Petersburg,  I  propose  to 
go. 

"  My  health,  on  the  whole,  I  think  improved  since  I 
saw  you  last,  and  since  I  left  Now-Haven  for  New- 
York.     Some  days  after  my  arrival  here,  I  was  visited 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  289 

by  Dr.  A.,  who,  in  consultation  with  ray  regular  physi- 
cian, gave  it  as  his  opinion,  that  my  lungs  were  sound. 
I  was  disappointed  in  the  result  of  their  examination, 
though  their  opinion  be  confirmatory  of  Dr.  J.'s,  last 
spring.  Having  given  Dr.  A.  a  history  of  my  case 
from  the  beginning,  I  prepared  for  an  examination  with 
the  Steihescope,  The  exposure  of  my  back,  presented 
to  Dr.  A.  a  singular  feature,  which  he  pronounced  to  be 
the  origin  of  that  pain,  of  which  I  have  spoken  to  you. 
In  this  sentiment,  my  physician  concurred,  although  it 
must  have  been  with  the  conviction  that  he  himself  had 
mistaken  my  case.  The  rheumatism,  the  debility, 
the  *  I-do-not-know-what,  is  the  matter  with  you,'  as 
said  one  physician,  turns  out  to  be  a  spinal  affection. 
This,  it  seems,  commenced,  continued,  and  now,  it  is 
hoped,  is  removed,  and  not  a  man  of  the  profession 
found  it  out.  During  the  whole  of  my  distress,  (and  at 
times,  it  was  acute  beyond  expression,)  not  a  man  said, 
let  me  see  the  seat  of  that  pain.  That  pain  is  over. 
God  meant  it  for  great  good  to  me.  I  blame  not  the 
men,  for  they  have  all  been  solicitous  for  me,  yet  it  may 
teach  the  lesson  to  examine  before  prescription. 

"  The  excess  of  expectoration  from  the  mucus  mem- 
brane allows  me  not  to  flatter  myself.  I  do  not.  And 
I  love  to  look  at  the  narrow-house.  I  am  quite  con- 
tented —  quite  happy. 

"You   may  have  heard  that  I  was  licensed  some 
weeks  ago.     When  in  New-Haven,  I  stopped  at  your 
26 


290  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

dwelling,  and  at  your  room,  to  tell  you.  I  feel  relieved 
by  the  act.  Think  not  that  I  shall  exercise  my  office. 
I  have  no  desire  to  do  it,  in  present  circumstances.  I 
believe,  with  my  present  and  even  with  much  improved 
health,  I  am  not  warranted  to  preach. 

"  I  read  your  sermon  with  interest  and  pleasure.     I 
think  it  will  happily  counteract  the  wrong  impression 
gone  out.     And  I  believe,  they  have  only  to  know  us  to 
love  us.     My  regards  to  Mrs.  T, 
"In  haste, 

*'  Your  obliged  friend  and  pupil, 

"James  B.  Taylor." 

"  Bond-street,  3d  Nov.,  1828. 
"  My  dear  F. 

"  This  is  Monday.     To-morrow  our  bark  takes 
her  course  over  the  ocean-wave. 

"  I  think  myself  no  worse  than  when  you  left  me. 
Stronger  on  the  whole.  I  expected  to  hear  from  you 
before  this.  Write  me  to  the  care  of  Dr.  Rice.  The 
sermon  came.  The  boys  are  here.  Gusta,  in  one  of 
the  best  locations.  Augustus,  in  K.'s  office.  Write 
them  to  do  well.  Tell  me  all  about  all  things. 
"  Good-by,  good-by,  my  dear  brother. 

"James." 

From  the  preceding  letters  and  notes  of  a  brief  jour- 
nal, we  perceive  the  state  of  Mr.  Taylor's  mind,  on  the 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  291 

eve  of  again  parting  from  his  friends  at  the  North,  for 
his  winter  residence  at  the  South.  The  opinions  of  his 
medical  attendants  had  raised  his  expectation,  as  is 
evident  from  the  tone^of  his  farewell  letters  to  his  friends, 
however  little  he  was  willing  to  flatter  himself  in  view  of 
his  onward  prospects  of  health.  And  yet,  it  was  all  a 
"perad venture"  with  him,  and  he  was  fully  aware  that 
he  now  left  his  friends  more  debilitated,  than  when  he 
said  his  parting  adieu  to  them  the  winter  before.  Hope, 
Jiowever,  the  solace  of  all,  even  in  their  deepest  depres- 
sion, was  also  an  inmate  of  his  bosom,  but  ever  indulged 
in  submission  to  the  will  of  God.  A  long  season  of 
debility  and  pain  had  given  him  opportunity  to  reflect 
upon  his  critical  circumstances  of  health,  and  with  the 
alternations  of  hope  and  its  relinquishment,  which  are 
common  to  all  invalids  in  their  last  stages  of  debility ; 
his  convictions  prevailed,  that  he  could  not  long  be  a 
resident  of  earth.  His  friends,  still  unwilling  to  see  the 
truth,  and  always  hoping  that  the  providence  of  God 
would  accord  with  their  prayers  for  his  recovery,  en- 
couraged his  yet,  at  times,  lingering,  at  others,  more 
vivid  hopes  of  being  reinstated  to  renewed  health. 
What  invalid,  surrounded  by  doting  friends,  smiling  at 
every  opportunity  to  make  him  comfortable  and  happy, 
in  body  and  in  mind,  and  desiring  himself,  from  the  very 
instinct  of  his  nature,  a  continued  existence,  will  not  be 
pursuaded  o-f  his  improved  state  of  health,  when  those 
friends  assure  him  in  a  thousand  ways,  that  his  appear- 


292  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

ance  is  better  —  that  they  think  he  is  stronger  to-day 
than  he  was  yesterday,  without  hinting  to  a  period  fur- 
ther back,  which  would  present  too  great  a  contrast  — 
that  they  trust  that  this  remedy  will  be  beneficial, 
and  that  soon,  very  soon,  they  hope,  all  will  be  well 
again — -what  affectionate  heart  can  resist  such  affec- 
tionate solicitude,  tendered  in  such  affectionate  tones  ? 
It  was  under  such  influences  that  Mr.  Taylor  penned  his 
many,  but  short,  farewell-letters,  with  the  shaded  appre- 
hension, however,  \ery  often  stealing  over  his  brighter 
visions  of  renewed  health,  that  it  would,  after  all,  prove 
in  vain ;  and  a  better  body  and  a  fairer  land,  soon 
awaited  him. 

He  was  summoned  on  board.  Some  received  his 
parting  salutation  at  the  house.  Others  accompanied 
him  to  the  vessel.  Here  they  parted.  The  vessel  soon 
left  her  moorings,  and  under-way,  was  seen  standing 
out  the  Narrows  to  sea. 

How  differently  shaded  are  our  recollections  of  an 
event  of  other  years,  as  we  look  back  to  it  through  the 
incidents  which  have  occurred  at  an  after  period.  Thus, 
there  were  forebodings  of  the  heart,  that  this  might  be 
our  friend's  last  farewell,  as  the  vessel  shot  into  the 
stream.  But  no  one  was  willing  to  admit  to  his  con- 
victions the  probability,  as  he  gazed  on  the  baik  that 
was  now  conveying  James  Taylor,  the  last  time,  from 
the  home  of  his  attachments  and  relationship,  that  he 
was  now  tracing  his  course  to  find  his  final  resting-place 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  293 

in  a  soil  far  distant  from  the  home  of  his  kindred.    But, 

so  IT  WAS  ! 

Among  his  many  friends,  who  loved  him  with  an  ar- 
dour of  no  common  friendship,  one  reached  the  dock  too 
late  to  take,  at  last,  a  sorrowful  leave.  This  friend,  in 
his  disappointment  even  of  that  melancholy  pleasure, 
thus  gives  vent  to  his  feelings,  in  a  letter  written  soon 
afterwards  to  Mr.  Taylor. 

"  I  shall  never  forget  the  morning  you  left  the  wharf. 
I  had  cherished  the  fond  hope  of  giving  you  the  part- 
ing hand  when  you  left.  But  I  was  disappointed,  and 
the  circumstance  greatly  distressed  me  —  so  much  so, 
that  I  could  not  divest  myself  of  the  unpleasant  sensa- 
tion, until  the  inquiry  presented  itself  to  my  mind,  shall 
I  be  so  distressed  at  comparatively  so  trivial  a  circum- 
stance, and  yet  remain  so  insensible  of  the  aggravated 
sin,  which  I  so  continually  commit  against  Infinite 
Love  1  This  thought  brought  me  to  a  throne  of  grace, 
where  I  found  relief.  But  to  return.  Just  as  I  arrived 
at  the  upper  end  of  the  dock,  I  met  your  brother  J., 
who  said  the  vessel  was  just  about  to  cast-off.  I  made 
all  haste  and  got  on  board  of  the  ship,  along  side  of 
which,  your  vessel  had  been  laying,  and  from  which  she 
had  just  let  go  her  fastenings.  Had  you  not  already 
left  the  deck,  I  should  have  been  freed  from  the  unplea- 
sant feelings  which  I  afterwards  experienced.  But,  as 
you  had  to  heat  out  of  the  river,  the  wind  being  ahead, 
25* 


294  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

I  yet  fondly  hoped  to  get  a  glance  at  you  as  the  vessel 
should  stretch  in  towards  the  wharf  when  she  should  put 
about  on  her  tack  towards  the  city.  With  this  hope  I 
went  from  pier  to  pier,  until  I  reached  the  last  one,  pro- 
jecting from  the  Battery.  After  all  this  effort,  I  had  the 
mortification  and  disappointment  of  seeing  the  vessel 
still  further  receding  from  me,  until  she  made  a  stretch 
from  Governor's-Island,  and  glided  majestically  down 
the  bay.  Bitterly  disappointed  as  I  was,  I  yet  hoped  that 
I  should  at  some  future  period,  (in  God's  own  good 
time,)  again  behold  your  face.  Amid  all  our  disap- 
pointments and  trials,  we  have  the  gracious  assurance 
that  all  things  shall  work  together  for  good  to  those 
that  love  God. 

"  Mrs.  B.  and  myself,  and  a  few  Christian  friends, 
spent  an  evening  at  your  brother's  last  week.  Tour 
liJceness,  with  others,  ornamented  the  back-parlour.  I 
think  your  bro^ar's  one  of  the  best  I  ever  saw,  but  some 
of  the  company  thought  yours  yet  better.  We  enjoyed 
ourselves  well,  but  yet  better  should  have  done,  if  you 
had  been  one  of  our  number.  Mrs.  B.  joins  me  in  love 
to  you." 


SECTION    XIV. 

We  shall  now  continue  the  letters  of  Mr.  Taylor,  tracing 
him  to  his  winter  and  final  home ;  and  until  his  hand 
becomes  too  weak  to  express  the  thoughts  of  his  warm 
and  devoted  heart. 

"James  River,  Va.,  30  miles  from  its  mouth. 
"  November  7th;  1828. 
"  My  dear  K.  and  E. 

*'  It  is  now  the  fourth  day  since  I  gave  you  the 
parting  hand.  Having  passed  Sandy-Hook-Light,  I 
experienced,  as  I  had  expected,  all  the  nausea  of  sea- 
sickness. Although  it  was  pFeasant  and  we  had  a  fine 
breeze,  I  betook  myself  to  the  berth,  as  that  unsocial 
being,  so  rendered  by  the  unpleasant  sensations  created 
by  the  tossing  of  our  bark  upon  the  billows  —  a  scene, 
under  other  circumstances,  sublime  even  in  imagina- 
tion. I  kept  my  station  for  about  forty-eight  hours. 
Though  I  would  avoid  this  sickness  a  second  time,  I 
think  it  may  result  in  good  to  me.  I  am  now  quite  ove? 
it.  Only  one  of  eleven  passengers  neglected  to  cast  up 
his  accounts.  For,  two  days  we  were  enabled  to  lay  our 
course.  The  third,  when  within  thirty-five  miles  of  the 
Chesapeake,  the  wind  veered,  greatly  to  our  disappoint^ 
ment.     We  passed  the  Capes  last  evening,  and  to  our 


296  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY   OF 

no  small  joy,  came  over  by  old  Point  Comfort,  into 
Hampton  Roads.  Thence  we  have  proceeded  up  the 
river  thus  far.  We  have  a  demonstration  at  this  mo- 
ment, that  our  craft  was  not  built  for  land  conveyances 
All  hands  are  heaving  o-hoi-oh,  at  the  windless.  About 
twelve  o'clock  last  night,  with  a  smacking  breeze,  we 
ran  foul  of  an  oyster-bank.  Here  we  have  been  at 
anchor,  since.  No  blame  to  the  Captain.  We  hope  to 
be  under-way  soon,  and  with  a  fair  breeze. 

"  You  may  suppose  that  I  found  but  little  rest  in 
leaving  a  soft  bed  for  a  downless  berth,  even  to  nearly 
laying  on  my  bones.  I  turned  from  side  to  side,  and 
upon  my  back ;  and  thus,  by  turns,  from  night  till  morn- 
ing, and  from  morn  till  night.  I  shall  be  glad  to  get  on 
terra  Jirma  again. 

"  Nov.  9.,  Sunday  evening.  I  am  again  on  land. 
The  captain  landed  me  at  City  Point  to-day,  about 
twelve  o'clock.  At  the  landing-place,  men,  women, 
and  children,  might  be  seen,  as  is  usual  on  the  Sabbath, 
with  no  one  to  teach  them  the  way  of  life.  But  when 
absent  before,  I  spoke  of  the  immense  moral  power 
that  must  be  brought  to  bear  upon  these  souls,  sunk  in 
sin,  before  they  can  be  raised  to  holiness,  to  happiness, 
and  to  heaven. 

"A  scene  yet  more  appalling  awaited  me  at  the 
tavern,  where  I  sat  and  dined,  waiting  for  the  steamboat. 
Here  were  men,  intelligent  looking  men.  But  how  un- 
like moral  and  accountable  beings  did  they  act.     Be- 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  297 

fore  the  scene  ended,  they  had  on  board  of  the  steam- 
boat a  Bacchanalian  froHc.  Thus,  providentially  thrown 
into  such  circumstances,  I  was  glad,  if  such  hearts 
must  be  developed,  to  look  into  the  blackness  of  theirs. 
"At  the  remembrance  of  God's  goodness,  I  have 
wept  to-day,  again  and  again.  I  thought  of  you  both, 
and  as  often  my  uplifted  prayer  has  been  '  Lord,  bless 
them.'  To-night,  after  tea,  I  enjoyed  a  most  melting 
season ;  it  was  repeated.  I  thought  on  my  exile. 
My  soul  flew  to  our  heavenly  Father,  and  it  seemed  aa 
if  he  would  take  me  up  as  his  little  one !  How  melt- 
ingly  sweet.  I  thought  on  Jesus  as  a  sympathizing 
friend.  How  near  he  came !  I  thought  on  the  Com- 
forter whom  I  had  often  grieved.  Here  I  think  I  had  a 
most  joyful,  blessed,  consoHng  view  —  such  as  I  think  I 
needed  and  never  before  had.  It  was  a  conviction  of 
the  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  I  could  very  strongly  be- 
lieve, that  though  chained  down  in  one  way,  God  could 
glorify  himself,  in  so  giving  me  the  Holy  Spirit,  that 
he  could  make  me  singularly  a  monument  of  his  grace, 
0,  it  was  sweet  beyond  expression,  to  think  of  God's 
being  happy  in  making  me  happy,  and  yet  leaving  me  to 
be  an  invalid ;  and  I  longed  that  he  should  be  happy  in 
dealing  with  me  after  his  own  manner.  Believe  me,  I 
was  happy.  Yes ;  my  soul  was  so  happified,  that  I 
could  rejoice  to  be  just  what  I  was,  and  where  I  was. 
But  a  little,  and  I  read  in  my  loved  little  Bible,  '  Let 
him  kiss  me  with  the  kisses  of  his  mouth ;  for  thy  love 


298  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

is  better  than  wine.'  It  would  be  too  long  to  tell  you. 
the  whole  story.  And  I  must  not  write  too  much.  But 
this  truth  won  my  heart,  captivated  my  soul,  and  I  had 
an  unusual  feast  of  love.  The  Lord  give  you  a  doublo 
portion. 

"Petersburg,  Nov.  11th.  Yesterday  I  called  on 
Mr.  R.  At  his  and  Mrs.  R.'s  urgent  request,  I  took  up 
my  abode  with  them.  How  long  a  time  I  shall  spend, 
is  uncertain.  Mrs.  R.  says  it  must  be  weeks.  I  may 
stop  a  day  or  two,  or  more.  I  met  here,  unexpectedly, 
Mr.  F.  J.  He  expects  me  at  Richmond  on  my  leaving 
Petersburgh.  From  there,  he  will  accompany  me,  oi 
send  me  by  a  careful  hand,  to  Prince  Edward.  Thus 
you  see  how  I  am  continually  taken  up  as  a  feeble  one. 
There  is  no  direct  public  conveyance  to  Prince  Edward. 
Mr.  B.  offered  me  his  horse  and  gig  for  the  journey. 
Very  kind  in  him.  How  manifold  the  goodness  of 
God.  What  saith  the  Scriptures  1  *  He  that  leaveth 
father  and  mother,  houses  and  lands,  shall  receive  mani- 
fold in  this  life.'  Houses  and  lands  I  have  not  left, 
but  fathers  and  mothers  I  find  all  along,  and  as  much 
of  houses  and  the  productions  of  lands  as  I  need. 
Praise  belongeth  unto  God. 

"  Eliza,  does  the  picture  resemble  its  original  ?  Mr. 
G.  has  been  unanimously  elected  professor  by  the 
Synod  of  Ya.  Dr.  C.  is  expected  to  visit  Prince  Ed- 
ward. Dr.  S.,  also.  Mr.  Nettleton  is  at  Stanton, 
about  one  hundred  miles  from  Prince  Edward.     With 


JAM£S  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  299 

the  exception  of  a  little  cold,  no  ill  hath  befallen  me. 
Love  to  the  children,  and  brothers. 

"  With  the  affection  of  a  brother  who  loves  you, 

"James. 

"I  design  to  write  you  every  two  weeks.  In  this 
way,  if  you  will  send  the  communication  to  Middle-Had- 
dam,  they  will  also  regularly  hear  from  me,  and  thus  I 
shall  be  saved  the  labour  of  additional  writing." 

"  Saturday  evening, 

♦'James  River,  7th Nov.  1828. 
"  My  loved  friends  at  home : 

"  Having  escaped  the  dangers  of  the  sea,  and  over 
with  my  sea- sickness,  I  am  happy  to  remember  you  all, 
and  again  to  address  you.  Though  far  away,  I  love  my 
father,  I  love  my  mother,  I  love  my  sisters.  Brothers 
—  they  are  all  from  you. 

**  On  Wednesday,  I  embarked  from  New- York,  and 
had  it  not  been  that  the  vessel  grounded  last  night,  I 
might  have  been  in  Petersburg  at  this  hour.  Now  I 
am  fifty  miles  distant.  I  have  sustained  some  of  the 
disagreeables  of  being  on  ship-board.  But,  by-and-by, 
I  hope  to  enjoy  a  soft  bed,  an  easy  chair,  pleasant 
society,  etc.,  etc. 

"  Though  a  preacher,  we  shall  probably  have  a  silent 
Sabbath.  As  to  my  preaching,  you  need  give  your- 
selves no  uneasiness.  I  am  entirely  inadequate  to  th« 
task. 


300  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY   Of 

"Petersburg,  11th  Nov. 

"  I  reached  this  place  on  Sunday  evening.  I  am 
staying  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Rice.  From  this,  after  a 
few  days,  I  expect  to  go  to  Richmond.  Thence  to 
Prince  Edward.  I  find  fathers  and  mothers  who  seem 
to  take  pleasure  in  contributing  to  my  comfort.  I  am 
blessed  of  the  Lord  by  his  smiles.  I  have  written  K. 
and  E.  The  letter  may  be  forwarded  to  you.  I  calcu- 
late to  write  them  once  every  two  weeks.  You  may 
expect  to  hear  from  me  through  them.  Write  me. 
Direct  to  the  care  of  Dr.  R. 

"  My  love  to  you  all, 

"  James." 

"Petersburg,  12th  Nov.  1828. 

♦*  Yesterday,  I  forwarded  a  letter,  per  mail,  to  New- 
York,  and  another  to  Middle-Haddam.  By  these  you 
will  have  learned  of  my  arrival  and  proposed  after- 
course. 

"  Yesterday  evening,  (for  they  denominate  the  P.  M. 
tvening,  here,)  in  company  with  Mrs.  R.  and  a  Mr.  J., 
I  rode  to  visit  a  Mr.  H.  and  family,  three  miles  distant. 
We  were  met  by  Mr.  R.  Mr.  H.'s  piety  is  of  higher 
order,  I  should  think,  than  is  generally  met  with.  The 
interview,  to  me,  was  peculiarly  gratifying. 

"  A  cotton-field  before  the  house  presented  an  aspect 
which  would  be  novel  to  you.  A  few  pods  were  gather- 
ed for  me,  which  I  purpose  to  send  or  bring  you  as  a 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  301 

curiosity.  You  may  wait  for  a  verbal  description  of 
its  cultivation.  A  horseback-ride  on  my  return,  did  me 
service. 

14th.  Day  before  yesterday  I  had  taken  my  seat  for 
Richmond.  On  my  return  to  my  Petersburg-home, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  R.  urged  me  to  tarry  yet  with  them,  at 
least  till  next  week.  I  finally  consented.  Mr.  R.  has 
gone  to  the  Presbytery.  I  snugly  occupy  his  study, 
without  studying.  Thus  far  the  weather  has  been 
changeable.  Sunday,  raw  north-easter.  Monday,  plea- 
sant May- day.  Tuesday,  fine.  Wednesday,  cool 
north-wester.     Thursday,  raiv.     To-day,  raining. 

"If  my  present  feelings  should  appear  strange  to 
others,  in  view  o^  my  past  experience,  to  me  they  come 
in  merciful  relief.  Relative  to  the  ministry,  I  have  not 
only  lost  my  anxiety  and  given  it  up  cheerfully,  but  of 
late,  at  times,  I  have  felt  rather  an  indisposition  towards 
it  —  rather  supposing  that  God  intends  glorifying  him- 
self by  me  in  some  other  way.  What  if  that  solicitude 
and  burning  anxiety  which  once  well  nigh  drank  up  my 
spirit,  were  now  possessing  me?  I  am  not  able  to 
preach.  0,  it  is  a  mercy  to  be  content,  just  where  I 
am !  So  the  once  suffering  but  now  glorified  Paul  said, 
'  In  whatever  state  I  am,  therewith  I  have  learned  to  be 
content.' 

"  19th.  Mr.  R.  returned  yesterday.    I  expect  to  reach 
Richmond  to-morrow,  twenty-three  miles.     If  unplea- 
sant, shall  remain.     Since  the  fourteenth,  the  weather 
26 


302  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY    OF 

has  been,  for  the  most  part,  unpleasant.  On  the 
fifteenth,  Indian-summer.  Sixteenth,  cold  and  raw  — 
seventeenth,  mild,  rather  summer-like  —  eighteenth,  I 
awoke  and  found  the  roofs  of  the  houses  white  with 
snow,  and  snowing  still.  To-day,  the  disagreeableness 
of  cloudy,  damp,  raw,  uncomfortable  atmosphere. 
Thus  far  I  have  been  disappointed  in  the  weather. 
Still,  with  all  the  changeableness  of  the  clime,  I  have 
been  gaining.     Mrs.  R.  thinks  I  have  improved  much. 

"Richmond,  21st. 

"  Yesterday  morning  took  leave  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
R.,  whose  kind  offices  have  endeared  them  to  me. 
Their  urgent  and  repeated  requests  that  I  would  remain 
with  them  during  the  winter,  may  occasion  another 
visit,  especially  if  not  well  located  at  Prince  Edward. 
They  are  mightily  g]a.dj  (a  Yirginianism  for  vertj,)  that 
their  son  is  located  with  Henry  and  John  James  at 
Amherst.  Mrs.  R.  sent  her  regards  to  K.  Eliza  may 
expect  a  multi-flora  rose-bush,  which  Mrs.  R.  will  have 
in  readiness,  when  I  go  on  in  the  spring ! 

"  In  the  stage,  there  was  a  black  boy  in  irons.  He 
had  run-away  from  his  master.  I  heard,  the  other  day, 
of  a  planter  who  intended  to  rid  himself  of  his  slaves, 
and  instead  of  them,  procure  poor  white  children, 
orphans,  if  possible,  and  besides  giving  them  a  common 
education,  to  train  them  up  to  work  his  land,  until  they 
should  become  twenty-one  years  old.     Boys  he  means 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  303 

to  make  farmers,  and  the  girls  to  understand  house- 
wifery.    Good  intention. 

"  Mr.  J.  conducted  me  to  his  house,  where  I  found 
his  sister.  I  occupy  a  pleasant  room,  and  feel  quite  at 
home.  No  want  of  attention.  Mr.  J.  thinks  I  have 
gained  astonishingly  since  he  saw  me  a  few  days  ago 
in  Petersburg.  I  not  only  look  improved,  but  I  feel 
myself  on  the  gaining  hand.  Peradventure,  I  shall  con- 
tinue to  be  convalescent.  When  in  Petersburg,  I  sub- 
mitted my  case  to  Dr.  R.  It  was  at  the  suggestion  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rice.  I  consider  him  a  scientific  man, 
ready  to  give  a  reason,  why  and  whence.  He  corrob- 
orated the  decision  of  Dr.  A.  He  considered  my  lungs 
sound.  Dr.  R.  was  attentive  and  entertaining  —  wrote 
a  long  letter  of  opinion  and  prescription  before  I  left. 
I  requested  him  to  append  his  bill,  but  he  chose  to 
waive  the  fee. 

*'  After  remaining  here  with  Mr.  J.  a  few  days,  I  shall 
proceed  on  to  Prince  Edward,  where  I  expect  to  meet 
intelligence  from  you. 

"  A  fact  relative  to  the  A.  H.  M.  Society.  A  clergy- 
man mentioned  to  me  that  the  impression  among  some 
Presbyterians  is,  that  the  Executive  prefer  men  from 
the  East  as  their  labourers  —  that  they  send  Congre- 
gational ministers  into  the  bounds  of  Presbyterianism 
—  the  tendency  of  which,  they  affirm,  is  to  disorganize. 
To  this  I  replied,  '  that  the  A.  H.  M.  Society,  if  1  mis- 
take not,  send  all  the  good  men  they  can  procure  —  that 


304 


TRIBUTE  TO  THE    MEMORY  OF 


SO  far  as  I  was  acquainted,  there  existed  no  partiality 
for  seminaries,  and  that  I  had  supposed  more  had  gone 
from  Princeton,  than  from  any  other  institution.'  Why 
not  think  a  Uttle  about  this  matter?  Whence  does  the 
support  for  the  society  come  1  The  East  must  not  be 
left  out.  Must  every  Macedonian  cry  which  a  Presby- 
terian cannot  reply  to,  remain  unheard  and  unanswered  1 
Cannot  a  Congregationalist,  who  loves  the  truth,  preach 
the  Gospel]  Then  you  must  cut  off  our  loved  New- 
England.  But  let  it  be  known  that  Congregationalists 
can  give  money  to  support  —  can  go  into  the  bounds  of 
Presbyterianism,  and,  if  expedient,  become  good  Pres- 
byterians, and  in  sweet  union  help  together  to  roll  on 
the  car  of  the  Gospel.  I  may  thus  speak,  because  I 
stand  on  neutral  ground  —  a  member  of  a  Presbyterian 
Church,  though  licensed  by  a  consociation.  The 
clergyman  alluded  to,  is  liberal,  and  said  he  would  be- 
come, without  hesitation,  a  Congregationalist,  were  he 
to  be  located  within  their  bounds. 

"  Evening.  Mr.  J.  took  me  out  through  the  suburbs 
of  the  city.  Though  here,  last  spring,  I  saw  but  little 
of  the  place.  There  are  some  fine  buildings  for  private 
residences  —  few,  however,  which  do  not  exhibit  some 
deficiency.  A  common  unpainted  fence  will  mar  the 
beauty  of  fine  architecture.  When  you  talk  of  taste 
and  enterprise,  you  must  not  come  to  the  South  to  look 
for  them,  although  there  are  some  noble  exceptions. 

'*  In  the  morning,  I  saw  John  Randolph.     Believe 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  305 

me,  I  had  rather  see  John  the  Baptist,  or  John  the 
Divine.  Randolph's  costume  was  a  blue  coat,  drab 
small-clothes,  white  top  boots  and  spurs.  He  did  not 
mount  his  horse  with  the  air  of  an  athletic  rider.  His 
steed  was  white.     So  also  his  servant's  horse. 

"  Mr.  J.  said  to  me  to-day,  as  a  message  to  you, 
*your  brother  knows  me.  Assure  him  of  the  pleasure 
it  gave  me  to  meet  you  at  Petersburg,  and  of  the  still 
higher  pleasure  of  having  you  at  my  own  house.'  It  is 
pleasant  to  be  here. 

"  I  have  just  given  Joseph,  the  servant  boy,  who  is 
very  attentive  to  me,  a  history  of  his  namesake,  the  son 
of  Jacob. 

"  With  love  to  you  all,  good-night. 

"  James. 

"  This  must  suffice  for  you  all.  When  perused  in 
New- York,  send  it  home.  They  will  be  anxious  to 
hear.  Yesterday,  summer-hke.  To-day,  the  rain  is 
pouring. 

"  Petersburg,  Ya.,  16th  Nov.,  1828. 
"  Dear  F. 

*'  On  the  eleventh,  two  days  after  my  arrival  here, 
I  dropped  a  newspaper  into  the  office,  saying,  Hie  tuus 
frater  Jacobus  est. 

*'  My  purpose  to  write  you  has,  until  now,  failed,  in 
consequence  of  one  and  another  engagement,  and  now 
I    break  off  from  a  book,  to  me  very  entertaining,  to 
26* 


306  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY   OP 

give  you  a  few  lines.  Have  you  read  an  '  Essay  upon 
the  Influence  of  the  Imagination  upon  the  Nervous 
System  1 '     Well  worth  perusing. 

"  My  passage  over  sea  from  New-York,  was  attend- 
ed by  all  the  disagreeableness  of  a  rough  voyage. 
Soon  after  passing  Sandy-Hook-Light,  I  was  metamor- 
phosed into  that  unsocial  being  which  sea-sickness  ever 
transforms  one.  We  came  up  to  Old  Point  Comfort, 
with  very  comfortable  emotions. 

"  On  the  evening  of  my  arrival  at  Petersburg,  I  was 
refreshingly  visited.  The  Lord  made  my  cup  to  run 
over  with  love,  joy,  and  peace. 

"  I  have  found  Mr.  and  Mrs.  R.  cordial.  Mrs.  R. 
is  sister  to  Dr.  A.  of  Princeton.  I  occupy  Mr.  R.'s 
study  in  his  absence  to  the  Presbytery,  although,  myself, 
an  idler.  By  Wednesday  or  Thursday  I  shall  probably 
go  to  Ptichmond  —  spend  a  few  days  there  with  a  friend 
who  proposes  then  to  take  me  to  Prince  Edward,  ninety 
miles. 

"  I  presume,  by  this  time,  you  are  settled,  and  going 
on.  You  did  not  'write,  or,  if  you  did,  the  letter  was 
not  received  before  I  left  New-York.  Let  me  hear  of 
all  that  makes  you  happy,  and  if  ever  you  are  sad  — 
for  I  am  always  interested  to  know  of  your  afiairs. 

"  Having  entered  upon  the  study  of  your  profession, 
make  conscience  of  studying  to  approve  yourself  unto 
God.  To  live  and  be  happy  —  to  please  God  —  to  be 
blessed  and  to  be  made  a  blessing  —  this  should  be  our 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  307 

first,  constant,  and  last  aim.  If  I  sought  one  thing 
more  than  another  in  my  preparatory  course,  academi- 
cal, collegiate,  and  theological,  it  was  to  be  signally 
anointed  of  God  for  the  great,  the  good,  the  desirable, 
the  highest  work  of  man.  I  am  now  happy  in  this 
consciousness.  With  the  little  probability  of  ever  doing 
this  work,  I  am  greatly  glad  that  I  thus  sought  this  pre- 
paration. I  can  testify  that  I  found  it.  All  along  I 
was  anointed.  And  I  most  affectionately  and  urgently 
present  this  as  pre-eminent.  All  else  will  take  care  of 
itself.  Rather,  let  all  else  suffer,  than  forego  the  bap- 
tisms of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

"  It  is  very  pleasant  for  me  to  think  that  God  can 
glorify  himself  in  me  and  let  me  be  an  invalid.  My 
confidence  in  God's  power  to  endow  me  greatly,  has 
much  increased  of  late.  Think  of  me  then,  not  as  des- 
ponding under  his  debarring  me  from  the  vineyard  ;  but 
think  of  me  as  quite  contented  and  happy  —  as  rather 
desirous  of  being  sick,  believing  it  to  be  his  will.  Think 
of  me  as  handed  down  very  kindly,  tenderly,  and  mer- 
cifully, if  rapidly  on  my  way  to  an  early  grave.  Heaven 
looks  very  desirable. 

"  My  health,  I  think,  has  held  its  own  since  I  left. 
Perhaps  a  little  improved.  The  weather,  thus  far,  has 
been  very  changeable  —  sometimes,  not  unlike  a  New- 
England  north-easter. 

"  Mention  me  to  Dr.  T.  with  my  regards.  To  the 
brethren  whom  I  know,  to  friends  in  town,  my  usual 


308  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

salutation.     I  wrote  home  and  to  New-York,  on  my 
arrival.     Any  thing  new  and  interesting  send  me. 
"  Ever  truly  and  affectionately, 

"  James." 

"Richmond,  Nov.  25th,  1828. 

"  My  last  letter,  I  presume,  has  reached  you  before 
this.  If  so,  you  know  of  my  affairs.  While  I  am  most 
kindly  entertained  at  the  domicil  of  Mr.  J.,  who,  with 
his  sister,  anticipates  my  wants,  and  seems  to  study  to 
make  me  comfortable  and  happy,  let  me  assure  you  that 
I  find  my  lot  a  happy  one.  Is  he  happy  on  whom  our 
Father  smiles  1  His  face,  with  paternal  sweetness,  is 
turned  towards  me,  and  wakes  in  my  bosom  a  filial 
spirit.  Is  he  happy  to  whom  Christ  manifests  himself 
otherwise  than  to  the  world  t  His  visitations  cheer  me 
in  my  exile  and  affliction.  Is  he  happy  who  entertains 
the  Promised  of  the  Father?  The  Comforter  takes 
up  his  abode  with  me.  Is  it  pleasant  to  think  on  angels 
as  our  ministers,  and  prospectively,  our  associates "?  Is 
it  pleasant  to  think  on  disembodied  spirits,  and  long  to 
be  one  ?  To-day,  as  I  laid  me  down,  fatigued  and  weak, 
I  soothingly  felt  it  more  desirable  to  wither,  and  faint, 
and  die,  and  go  to  the  Home  of  the  holy,  than  to  live 
and  labour. 

"For  a  fortnight  past,  I  have  felt  more  like  coming 
back  to  health  than  for  a  year  previously.  I  know  not 
to  what  else  to  attribute  it  but  to  symptoms  of  recovery. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  309 

"  28th.  I  wrote  Henry  the  other  day.  With  Mr.  J. 
I  have  already  remained  longer  than  I  had  purposed. 

"  December,  3d. 

"To-morrow,  weather  and  other  things  permitting, 
I  expect  to  set  out  for  Prince  Edward.  Mr.  J.  proposes 
to  accompany  me  in  his  gig,  and  with  his  servant  on 
horse.  We  shall  make  our  journey  so  as  to  be  four 
days  on  the  road. 

"  To-day  I  felt  a  little  home-sick  —  not  sick  of  this 
kind  home.  But  I  thought  of  my  father  —  I  thought  of 
my  mother  —  I  thought  of  you  all.  Gladly  would  I  see 
your  faces.  But  think  of  me  as  having  all  and  abound- 
ing, having  received  of  my  friends  here  the  kindness  of 
paternal  spirits. 

"  Farewell. 

"James. 

"  I  have  been  kept  quite  free  from  colds.  On  the 
whole,  it  is  hoped  that  I  am  convalescent.  Weather 
more  settled  and  pleasant." 

To  HIS  YOUNGER  BrOTHER. 

"  Richmond,  28th  Nov.,  1828. 
"Dear  brother  S. 

"  This  city  does  not  compare  with  New- York, 
There  are  three  or  four  streets  along  which  there  are 
respectable  buildings.  Some  of  the  private  residences 
in  the  borders  are  large  and  imposing.      Curiosities  are 


jjl^^ 


310  TRIBUTE    TO    THE   MEMORY    OF 

rare.  About  three  miles  from  this,  on  the  banks  of  the 
James  River,  is  a  place  called  Powhattan,  now  the  resi- 
dence of  a  Mr.  Mayo.  More  than  two  hundred  years 
ago,  when  a  number  of  people  came  from  England  here, 
and  were  the  first  whites  that  settled  in  Virginia,  there 
lived  at  this  place  a  powerful  Indian  Chief  His  name 
was  Powhattan.  Among  the  whites,  there  was  a  man  of 
great  worth  and  adventure.  Captain  Smith.  In  one 
of  his  excursions  of  discovery,  he  proceeded  up  the 
river  Chiccahommini,  which  empties  into  the  James 
River.  While  on  shore.  Captain  Smith  was  attacked 
by  the  Indians,  captured,  and  taken  to  Powhattan.  By 
this  chief  he  was  condemned  to  have  his  head  laid  upon 
a  rock,  and  his  brains  to  be  beaten  out  by  a  club.  The 
daughter  of  Powhatan,  whose  name  was  Pocahontas, 
interceded  with  her  father  for  Smith's  life.  She  was 
only  thirteen  years  of  age.  But  her  prayers  availed  not 
with  her  father.  The  head  of  Smith  was  bowed  down 
upon  the  rock.  As  the  blow  was  about  to  be  levelled 
upon  the  head  of  the  captain,  Pocahontas  rushed  be- 
tween him  and  the  executioner,  and  *  folding  his  head  in 
her  arms,  and  laying  her's  upon  his,  arrested  the  fatal 
blow.  Her  father  was  then  prevailed  upon  to  spare 
Smith's  life,  and  after  a  great  many  savage  ceremonies, 
he  was  sent  back  to  Jamestown.'  The  stone  on  which 
his  head  was  laid,  is  still  pointed  out  at  Powhattan.  I 
have  seen  it. 

"  In  fine  weather,  I  ride  out.     Much  is  done  here  by 


JAMES  BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  311 

the  servants  for  our  convenience.  They  will  do  your 
errands,  brush  your  clothes,  wash  your  feet,  etc.  etc., 
and  with  all  their  hearts,  too.  But  I  like  to  put  a  shil- 
ling now  and  then  into  their  hand.  You  will  see  more 
black  faces  than  white  ones  through  all  this  country. 

"  I  am  very  pleasantly  situated,  and  may  yet  remain 
here  eight  or  ten  days.  Request  K.  to  write  me  to  the 
care  of  Mr.  Fleming  James. 

"  How  comes  on  your  Arithmetic  ?  My 'repetition  of 
this  thing  is  induced  by  the  solicitude  I  have,  that  you 
and  G.  and  A.  should  excel  in  it.  Put  too  all  your 
energies,  and  you  will  succeed.  Make  business,  too, 
of  reading  your  Bible,  in  the  way  I  proposed  to  you. 
Be  wise  in  the  knowledge  of  the  Bible.  Above  all, 
make  God  your  Friend  and  Father.  In  my  exile  and 
affliction,  I  am  happy.  It  is  religion  that  gives  me  joy. 
"  Your  affectionate  brother, 

"James. 

"  My  love  to  Gustavus  and  Augustus  —  to  the  chil- 
dren at  K.'s  and  J.'s.    I  shall  be  glad  to  hear  from  you." 


SECTION   XV 


To  Mr.  K.  T.  From  Dr.  Rice. 

"Union  Theological  Seminary, 
5th  Dec,  1828. 

"  My  dear  Friend  : 

"  I  have  been  too  busy  lately  to  write  before  this 
time.  I  expected  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  tell  you  of 
the  arrival  of  your  brother.  I  have  heard  of  him  in 
Petersburgh  and  in  Richmond.  I  have  sent  an  invita- 
tion to  him  to  come  on,  but  he  delays.  Mr.  James  was 
to  have  come  up  with  him  ;  and  the  last  week  has  been 
very  fine  weather,  but  we  see  nothing  of  them.  Mrs. 
Rice  is  getting  quite  impatient  to  have  Mr.  Taylor 
here,  and  to  be  his  nurse. 

"  I  hear  that  the  physicians  think  your  brother's  case 
very  bad  —  the  result  extremely  doubtful.  I  believe, 
if  he  can  recover  at  all,  that  he  may  here.  One  of 
our  nearest  and  best  neighbours  is  a  Mr.  B.  (from 
Vermont,)  who  is  now  an  active  man  in  business,  after 
having  been  brought  apparently  lower  with  pulmonary 
disease  than  your  brother.  And  he  has  a  brother  just 
getting  up  now,  who  has  lain  in  bed  nearly  two  yeara 
from  something  like  curvature  of  the  spine. 

"  We  have  received  various  articles  for  the  Semi- 


Ik 


"W 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  313 

nary.     I  need  not  say  that  I  thank  you  for  your  kind 
attentions. 

"  19th.  Mrs.  Rice  unites  with  me  in  fraternal  love. 
Excuse  haste.  Always  pray  for  us,  and  believe  me  to 
be  most  truly  Yours, 

"  John  H.  Rick." 

This  is  the  first  letter  which  we  have  inserted  from 
that  venerated  man,  long  known  for  his  efficiency  in  his 
office,  and  greatly  loved  for  the  kindness  of  his  heart, 
and  deeply  regretted  for  the  loss  of  his  abilities  to  the 
church  of  Christ.  Providence  directed  the  subject  of 
this  Tribute  to  the  residence  of  this  beloved  but  now 
departed  man,  as  his  final  home.  They  were,  in  many 
particulars,  kindred  spirits  while  on  earth.  They  doubt- 
less now  find,  in  heaven,  their  sympathies  allied  in 
feeling,  and  their  perceptions  of  truth  harmonious. 
Their  bodies  are  slumbering  side  by  side,  waiting  a 
common  resurrection. 

It  will  be  -necessary,  and  within  the  scope  of  this 
compilation  to  introduce  as  we  proceed,  many  of  Dr. 
Rice's  letters,  as  well  as  the  letters  of  some  other  indi- 
viduals, friends  and  kindred,  to  complete  the  incidents 
of  the  sad  but  yet  joyous  story  before  us —  the  conclu- 
sion of  which  has  been  more  than  once  alluded  to  in 
the  preceding  and  passing  remarks.  It  will  continue  to 
be  remembered,  that  it  was  for  the  relatives  and  friends 
of  Mr.  Taylor  for  whom  these  letters  were  originally 
27 


314  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY  OF 

arranged.  And  therefore  no  apology  will  be  required 
for  the  insertion  of  the  letters  of  any  surviving  person, 
so  far  as  needed,  for  the  completeness  of  the  plan  of  this 
"  Tribute  of  friends  to  the  memory  of  one  of 

THEIR  number."* 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 

Monday,  December  8th,  1828. 
'*  Again,  and  again,  and  again,  have  I  been  con- 
strained to  exclaim  mercy.  *  Surely,  goodness  ^nd 
mercy  shall  follow  me  all  the  days  of  my  life.'  On  Thurs- 
day last  I  left  a  loved  home  of  which  I  have  spoken  to 
you  in  preceding  letters.  In  company  with  Mr.  J. 
seven  miles  from  Richmond,  I  was  introduced  to  a  Mr. 
Shepard  and  lady,  by  whom  we  were  most  cordially 
received  and  hospitably  entertained.  I  was  much  gra- 
tified to  find  that  Mr.  S.,  who  is  a  magistrate,  was 
exerting  himself  for  the  suppression  of  intemperance. 
The  spirit  of  reform  is  advancing.  I  should  judge  that 
a  thorough-going  spirit  was  in  the  hearts  of  some,  where 
as  yet,  little  effort  has  been  put  forth.  Mr.  S.  is  a 
wealthy  planter.  He  has  seeded  six  hundred  bushels 
of  wheat  already  for  the  coming  harvest.  When  you  are 
dropping  a  *  Home  Missionary '  direct  one  now  and 
then  to  W.  S.,  Richmond,  Ya.     It  may  result  in  good 

*  This  was  the  original  title  of  this  Tribute,  which  was 
changed  for  the  one  that  now  stands  al  the  title-page. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  315 

to  the  cause.  By  reading,  he  may  become  hberal  with 
his  money.  If  kind  offices  and  urgent  requests  to 
remain  with  them,  had  been  sufficient  to  detain  us,  I 
should  have  delayed.  But  this  was  my  destination, 
and  hither  I  must  come. 

"  After  travelling  about  thirty  miles  on  Friday,  which 
was  a  pleasant  day,  we  reached  a  Mr.  Freeheart's,  to 
whom  and  family  Mr.  James  introduced  me.  From 
them  we  shared  the  hospitality  which  it  would  give  me 
happiness  to  reciprocate.  Our  way  was  still  onward. 
Saturday,  although  a  rainy  day,  we  rode  thirty-one  miles. 
Yery  comfortable  at  a  public  house.  Not  to-night  — 
to-morrow,  I  will  try  to  tell  you  more. 

"  9th.  On  Sunday  morning,  after  a  ride  of  seven 
miles,  we  reached  the  ridge  on  which  stand  the  college 
and  the  Seminary.  From  principle  I  would  rather  not 
travel  on  the  Sabbath.  I  had  hoped  to  reach  Prince 
Edward  by  Saturday  night.  But  the  journey ings  were 
not  ended  until  dark,  and  the  roads  were  bad.  From 
the  place  where  we  remained  over  night,  the  people 
come  here  to  worship. 

"  Mrs.  Rice  met  me  at  the  door  with  a  hearty  good 
shake  —  received  me  with  that  maternal  tenderness, 
solicitude,  and  cordiality,  which  made  me  feel  that  I  had 
come  ivelcome  to  a  new  home.  At  once  I  was  laid  on 
the  sofa,  and  made  so  comfortable  as  you  can  hardly 
imagine. 

"  While  at  Richmond  I  heard  that  a  room  was  in 


316  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

waiting  for  me,  and  that  they  were  soHcitously  expect- 
ing my  arrival.  I  occupy  a  south  room  on  the  parlour 
floor,  about  sixteen  feet  square,  with  every  conveni- 
ence. 

"  I  should  have  said  that  Dr.  Rice  and  Mr.  Good- 
rich were  absent,  to  preach.  They  returned  in  the 
P.  M.  and  welcomed  me  as  cordially  as  Mrs.  Rice  and 
Mrs.  Goodrich  had  done.  I  love  them  all  much.  I 
believe  I  shall  love  them  all  more.  Said  Dr.  Rice, 
'  when  you  wish  to  ride,  call  for  the  horse  Davy.* 
The  carriage,  too,  has  been  tendered  for  my  service. 
Mr.  Goodrich  offered  his  horse. 

"  As  yet  I  have  not  looked  about  much.  The  build- 
ing is  a  fine  edifice.  An  addition,  however,  is  greatly 
needed.  All  the  rooms  are  occupied.  When  the 
Doctor's  house  shall  have  been  finished,  more  room 
will  be  afforded.  The  prospect  is  increasingly  flatter- 
ing. The  friends  and  patrons  of  this  Institution  may 
rely  on  it,  that  they  have  done  well  in  aiding  its  esta- 
blishment.    More,  when  I  shall  know  more. 

"  My  health,  I  think,  still  improving  at  a  small  rate. 
My  countenance  is  wearing  a  new  aspect. 

"  As  ever, 

"  James. 

"  P.  S.  By  Dr.  R. 

"  My  friend  James,  (for  so  I  feel  him  to  be,)  has 
allowed  me  room  for  a  word  or  two.     We  are  very  glad 


JAMES   BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  317 

to  have  him  with  us.  Mrs.  Rice  was  quite  anxious  for 
him  to  come,  that  she  might  have  some  opportunity  of 
testifying  her  regard  to  you.  But  James  has  made 
such  progress  in  gaining  her  affections,  that  I  appre- 
hend she  will,  before  the  winter  is  over,  love  him  better 
than  she  does  you. 

"  I  am  not  able  to  make  up  an  opinion  about  your 
brother's  health.  It  is  a  case  which  one  cannot  easily 
decide  about.  He  looks  a  good  deal  better  than  I 
expected.  But,  that  is  not  a  sure  index.  He  is  the 
Lord's.     My  love  to  all. 

"Yours,  fraternally,  • 

J.  H.  R. 

"  Union  Seminary, 

December  10th,  1828. 
"  My  much  loved  Parents  : 

"  Though  your  son  be  far  away,  his  filial  feelings 
often  awake  in  remembrance  of  you,  and  swell  an  affec- 
tionate heart.  It  will  be  gratifying  for  you  to  know 
that  I  am  at  my  journey's  end.  Could  you  stand  by 
and  be  a  looker  on  at  my  present  habitation,  you  would 
say  that  every  comfort  surrounds  me.  Let  me  assure 
you  that  I  am  most  happily  located.  My  room  is  on 
the  south-west  corner,  with  every  convenience.  Books 
of  every  variety  surround  me,  of  which,  however,  I  can 
indulge  myself  with  but  few.  Climate  delightful.  To- 
day, thermometer  69'^'.  Like  June  in  Connecticut. 
27* 


318  TRIBUTE    TO   THE   MEMORY    OF 

"  But  what  shall  I  say  of  my  friends  here  ?  They 
are  more  to  me  than  I  am  able  to  express  to  you.  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Rice  are  to  me  all  and  more  by  far,  than  you 
could  expect.  They,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Goodrich  are 
so  '  kindly  aifectioned,'  that  my  heart  is  greatly  won. 
And  think  —  this  is  only  the  fourth  day  of  my  stay. 
You  will  be  glad  and  be  comforted  to  know  that  I  am 
so  kindly  dealt  with.  Pray  that  I  may  be  blessed,  and 
be  made  a  blessing  while  I  remain  here.  Be  comforted 
to  think  that  while  I  am  from  you,  fathers  and  mothers 
rise  up  in  all  my  way  to  do  me  good. 

"In  Petersburg,  as  you  will  have  learned  by  my  let- 
ters, I  had  a  sweet  home.  So  also  in  Richmond. 
Mr.  James,  with  whom  I  spent  my  time  in  Richmond, 
brought  me  here. 

"11th.  To-day,  at  two  o'clock,  the  thermometer 
stood  at  720.  —  summer  heat.  It  is  thought  my  health 
has  improved.     Yet,  I  advance  slowly. 

"This  neighbourhood  is  settled  by  intelligent  and 
pious  people.  Last  summer  and  spring  Mr.  Nettleton 
laboured  here.  About  one  hundred  professed  to  have 
become  religious.  Near  the  Seminary  is  the  College  — 
Hampden  and  Sidney.  About  thirty  Students.  A 
mile  off  is  the  court-house,  and  some  buildings.  I  am 
south-west  from  you  about  five  hundred  miles. 

"  With  love  to  Emeline,  Almira,  and  Eliza. 

"  Letter  No.   4,  I  sent  to  K.  the  other    day.     I 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  319 

presume  you  have  heard  from  me  through  these  com- 
munications.    I  shall  gladly  hear  from  you. 

"  Affectionately,  your  son, 
"James." 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
December  11th,  182S. 

"  Mr.  and  Mrs.  D. 

"  The  friends  I  love.  Your  note  to  Dr.  Rice 
apprized  me  of  your  arrival  and  location.  I  regretted 
your  being  so  far  distant.  I  had  hoped  that  you  would 
be  nearer. 

"  From  the  time  of  my  leaving  New-York  I  was 
about  one  month  in  reaching  Prince  Edward.  After 
my  arrival  in  Petersburg,  I  remained  ten  days.  At 
Richmond,  I  spent  two  weeks. 

"  Probably  I  am  better  than  I  was  when  I  saw  you 
at  loved  New-Haven.  It  may  be  that  I  am  convales- 
cent. I  have  not  for  three  years  previously,  felt  so 
much  like  recovery  as  for  the  last  three  weeks.  But, 
even  now,  I  look  at  my  case  only  as  a  'peradveniure, 

"  The  *  inner  man'  gathers  strength.  Of  late  I  have 
been  happy  to  think  that  God  can  be  happy  and  make 
me  happy,  and  yet  let  me  be  an  invalid  as  I  am,  and  be 
glorified  in  me  withal.  Praise  him  on  my  behalf  and 
think  of  me  as  of  one  that  is  happy. 

"  I  am  prohibited  preaching.  If  I  were  not,  I  yet 
feel  physically  inadequate. 


1 


320  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

*'  Being  safely  and  happily  moored  here,  after  having 
been  tossed  about  from  place  to  place,  T  shall  probably 
lie  in  this  snug  harbour  '  to  winter.'  Come  and  see 
me,  if  you  can.     Write  again,  and  again. 

"  With  much  love  to  father  Nettleton,  if  he  is  with 
you,  I  am 

"  Yours,  in  the  best  bonds, 

"  James  B.  Taylor. 

"When  you  write  to  New-Haven,  mention  the  inva- 
lid to  those  we  love." 

The  following  letter  to  Mr.  Taylor  is  the  last  he  re- 
ceived from  his  felloiv-traveller,  whose  day,  like  his  own, 
was  now  waning  fast  to  its  close.  Affecting  coinci- 
dence !  Nothing  further  was  heard,  after  the  reception 
of  this  letter,  of  the  state  of  its  writer's  health,  until  a 
communication  from  Mr.  Taylor's  friends,  which  was 
never  read  to  him,  arrived  a  few  hours  before  his  death, 
which  contained  in  pencil  marks  not  intended  for  his  eye, 
the  four  words,  "  Mr.  Kinsman  is  dead."  Happy  tra- 
vellers ;  togethei  now  on  their  path  of  light,  and  love, 
and  glory. 

"  Portland,  Dec.  13,  1828. 
"  Brother  Taylor : 

"  Your  favour,  written  on  the  eve  of  your  sailing 
for  A^irginia,  was  doubly  welcome  and  interesting,  and 
particularly  as  it  suggested  that  you  were  pretty  deci- 


JAMES    BRAIN ERD    TAYLOR.  32^ 

dedly  on  the  recovery.  Yet  I  could  not  see  any  thing 
in  it,  on  second  reading,  very  encouraging,  except  an 
increase  of  strength,  and  that  varies  &o  with  myself,  that 
I  cannot  depend  on  it  as  a  criterion  for  judgement.  I 
could  now  say  the  truth  with  regard  to  myself,  that  my 
tongue  continues  to  look  healthy  —  that  I  have  had  no 
night  perspirations  for  some  weeks  —  that  my  pulse  is 
at  eighty  instead  of  one  hundred  —  and  strange  to  say, 
no  appearance  of  fever  —  eat  and  sleep  well,  &c.,  &c. 
All  this  would  lead  you  to  suppose  that  I,  too,  am  con- 
valescent. But  I  can  write  with  equal  certainty,  that 
my  streno-th  and  flesh  have  both  diminished,  ever  since 
I  wrote  you  —  that  I  set  up  but  three  or  four  hours  in 
the  twenty-four  —  that  my  throat  is  as  sore,  and  that  I 
am  as  hoarse  as  ever  —  that  my  lungs  are  more  feeble, 
and  at  times  sore  —  that  I  expectorate  much  —  take 
cold  while  in  my  chamber  from  change  of  weather, 
although  not  exposed.  My  physician  says  he  thinks  I 
cannot  have  much  reason  to  expect  to  live  longer  than 
through  the  winter,  although  he  was  quite  encouraged 
as  to  my  recovery  ever  since  my  return,  until  within  a 
few  weeks. 

"  I  have  been  during  my  weakness  and  distress  more 
than  willing  to  depart.  And  if  I  could  have  the  faith  of 
St.  Paul,  how  could  I  be  reconciled  to  live  in  this  world 
much  longer  1  I  dread  pain,  not  particularly  the  pains 
of  death,  but  all  the  sickness  and  distress  necessary  to 
separate  the  soul  and  body. 


i522  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY   OF 

"  Your  letters  give  me  much  pleasure.  I  should  be 
childish  without  them.  If  we  are  permitted  to  live 
ever  so  long,  we  shall  never  be  willing  to  let  many 
weeks  pass  without  an  excliHange  of  letters.  The  variety 
of  trials  we  passed  through  on  our  journey  I  can  never 
forget.  I  am  surprised  we  ever  lived  to  reach  our 
homes. 

"Have  you  heard  any  thing  from  Augusta,  or 
Savannah  ?     Let  me  hear  from  you  soon. 

"N.    KiNSBIAN." 

To  Mr.  K.  T.,  From  Mrs.  R. 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
17th  Dec,  1828. 
"  I  have  long  intended  to  write  to  our  good  friend  Mr. 
Taylor,  and  now  I  have  a  double  inducement,  as  I  can 
give  you  pleasing  intelligence  from  your  dear  brother 
and  my  beloved  Christian  friend.  You  have  done,  dear 
friend,  many  kindnesses  to  us,  but  none  that  I  esteem 
so  highly,  or  that  has  gratified  me  so  much,  as  your 
sending  this  child  of  our  heavenly  Father  to  us,  —  and 
I  already  feel  that  his  intercourse  is  one  of  my  greatest 
blessings.  Pray  that  it  may  not,  like  many  others 
which  are  so  richly  bestowed  on  me,  be  unimproved. 
Your  brother  seems  to  have  just  the  spirit  that  I  have 
for  some  time  been  earnestly  longing  for,  but  have  never 
seen  so  fully  attained  to  by  any  other  !    He  seems  per- 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  323 

fectly  resigned,  and  cheerfully  submissive  to  the  will  of 
his  heavenly  Father,  and  constantly  to  rejoice  with 
exceeding  joy  in  the  goodness,  mercy,  and  loving  kind- 
ness of  his  Lord  and  Master. 

"  We  think  we  see  manifest  improvement  in  the 
health  of  your  dear  brother.  He  seems  to  talk  with 
much  more  ease  ;  and  now  has  scarcely  any  cough ; 
complains  of  no  pain,  and  seems  to  suffer  from  nothing 
but  debility.  Indeed  I  ought  not  to  use  the  word  suffer ; 
for,  he  does  not.  appear  to  suffer  at  all,  and  the  physi- 
cians give  us  hope  that  he  may  recover.  Oh  !  how  I 
shall  delight  to  see  him  able  to  preach,  and  to  hear  him 
proclaim  the  glad-tidings  of  that  great  joy  which  is  so 
precious  to  his  own  soul. 

"  The  physicians  have  commenced  with  the  JMoxa, 
which  Mr.  T.  bore  admirably.  You  see  he  is  literally 
tried  by  fire.  I  need  not  say  to  you  that  I  esteem  it  a 
privilege,  and  feel  it  a  pleasure  to  attend  on  your 
brother. 

"  Our  dear  Seminary  we  hope  is  flourishing.  I  wish 
much  you  could  see  it,  and  become  personally  ac- 
quainted with  it.  We  are  now  nearly  as  full  as  we  can  be. 
Only  one  room,  which  is  not  constantly  occupied,  and 
that  often  has  a  visiter.  And  yet  an  additional  number 
of  students  are  expected  after  Christmas.  The  new 
house  is  going  on  finely,  and  will  be  ready  for  us  by  the 
spring. 

*'I  will  leave  the  next  page  for  either  your  brother  or 


324  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

Mr.  Rice  to  fill.     He  unites  in  love,  and  best  wishes  to 
you  and  all  yours, 

"  with  your  affectionate  friend, 

*'Anne  S.  Rice." 

"P.  S.    By  J.  B.  T. 

"  Tuesday  evening. 
"  Among  the  fields  attached  to  the  Seminary  is  one 
particularly  valuable  for  the  production  of  anii-dispeptic 
pills.     Some  of  them  have  already  been  tested.     They 
prove  superior    to  all    the    heterogeneous   compounds 
vended  at  the  shops,  and  as  cheap  as  the  devotion  of 
one  or   two  hours  labour  daily   for  the  public   good. 
They  are  no  more  nor  less  than  varions  kinds  ofstumpSy 
which  the  students  dig  up  from  the  new  field,  and  they 
are   preparing  the  wgiy  for  a  large  garden.     I  mention 
this  fact  simply  that  I  may  add,   that  any  benevolent 
hardware  merchant  would  further  the  convenience,  and 
facilitate  the  purpose  of  the  young  men,  by  sending  on 
a  few  spades,  a  few  shovels,  a  few  hoes,  and  a  few  axes. 
"  And  by  adding  a  supply  of  apples  yourself  for  the 
benefit  of  friends,  you  will  gratify  susceptibilities  which  I, 
in  common  with  most  people,  possess  for  good  fruit. 
So,  though  you  are  now  very  often  remembered,  we 
will  the  more  frequently  associate  you  in  our  minds,  as 
around  this  sweet  fire  side    we  shall  share    the  kind 
tokens  of  one  whom  we  all  love. 

"  Adieu. 

*'J  B.  Taylor. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  325 

To  Mr.  K.  T.,  From  Dr.  R. 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
23d  Dec,  1828. 

«  My  Dear  Sir  : 

*'  Your  brother  James  wins  more  and  more  on  our 
affections.  Mrs.  Rice  will  hardly  ever  consent  to  give 
him  up  again.  I  know  that  she  delights  in  ministering 
to  him.  And  happily,  he  has  fewer  wants  than  any  sick 
person  I  have  ever  known.  What  the  issue  of  his  dis- 
ease may  be,  I  know  not.  Had  it  been  understood  in 
the  beginning,  he  might  before  this  time  have  been  per- 
fectly well.  But  until  lately  not  a  measure  suited  to 
his  case  has  ever  been  pursued.  At  present  he  uses  no 
remedy  except  what  is  called  the  Moxa,  which  is 
nothing  more  nor  less  than  the  burning  of  a  blister  on 
the  patient  by  fire.  This  is  a  remedy  of  great  severity, 
and  it  is  said,  of  great  efficacy.  Your  brother^s  health 
certainly  gives  some  indications  of  amendment.  He 
has,  however,  at  present,  a  slight  cold.  But  he  talks 
and  walks  better  than  on  his  first  arrival. 

"  I  think  the  spirit  of  the  Seminary  at  present  is  better 
than  usual.  We  have  more  piety  here  than  at  any 
other  time,  and  clear  indications  of  an  increase.  We 
do  wish  to  send  out  very  holy  and  devoted  men.  May 
the  Lord  make  us  more  and  more  so  continually. 

*'  1  write  in  a  state  of  very  considerable  exhaustion 
and  you  will  excuse  my  hasty  scrawl.     My  best  love  to 
28 


326  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 

Mrs.  Taylor.     In  this  Mrs.  Rice  joins  me  most  heartily. 
May  the  Lord  bless  you,  and  all  yours. 
"  With  truest  affection, 

"  I  am  sincerely  yours, 

"  John  H.  Rice." 

"  Dear  Brother : 

"  It  will  give  you  pleasure  to  hear  that  I  am  im- 
proved in  my  speaking  powers.  You  remember  the 
hacking  cough  which  attended  any  little  effort  of  my 
talking.  Very  little  of  this  irritability  remains.  I  feel 
more  like  healtli  about  my  lungs.  This  morning  I  feel 
very  comfortable. 

"  The  Moxa  mentioned  in  former  letters  has  been 
applied  four  times.  The  process  is  exceedingly  painful, 
so  much  so,  that  I  think  I  shall  not  endure  it  again.  It 
is  literal  burning.  No  pain  which  I  have  experienced 
compares  with  it.  A  flame  from  a  cotton  roll  is  made  to 
concentrate  upon  the  flesh  by  the  use  of  a  blow  pipe. 

"  Mrs.  R.  is  my  nurse.  Never  have  I  met  with  a 
stranger  whom  I  love,  as  I  love  her.  She  is  every 
thing  I  need  in  my  exile,  to  make  me  comfortable.  Dr. 
Rice  I  love  perhaps  as  much  as  you  do. 

"  I  should  not  have  sent  by  this  mail,  but  to  say  to  you 
that  Dr.  Rice  asked  me  if  I  should  be  in  want  of  any 
funds,  before  I  returned  to  the  north.  I  had  to  answer 
that  I  should  not,  having  enough  prospectively.  His 
wish  was  to  draw  on  New- York,  for  books.     I  proposed 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  327 

and  urged  it,  that  he  should  draw  on  you,  believing  that 
you  would  accept  the  draft  with  pleasure.  It  will  be 
doing  him  a  favour  who  is  doing  me  many,  and  who 
would  do  you  more. 

"  Love  to  Eliza  and  all. 
"  This  may  wish  you  a  happy  New- Year. 
"  Affectionately, 

"  James." 

"  Union  Seminary,  31st  December,  1828. 

*'  Dear  lister  Eliza  : 

"  The  year  just  passing  has  been  fraught  with  signal 
mercy.  To  me,  mercy  has  been  extended  in  various 
ways.  You  remember  the  drawling  pain  that  caused 
my  nights  to  be  tedious,  and  the  spasmodic  pain  which 
racked  my  frame.  These  pains  are  past  and  I  am  freed. 
In  all  my  goings  I  have  been  upheld.  Love  has  been 
the  inmate  of  miy  bosom.  And  a  further  mercy.  I  am 
glad  that  I  have  been  directed  here.  This,  my  home,  is 
a  sweet  home.     Mrs.  R.  is  my  kind,  very  kind  nurse. 

The  climate  with  the  exception  of  a  few  days  has 
been  delightfully  mild.  I  walk  out  without  a  surtout. 
The  church  is  within  a  few  rods  of  the  Seminary. 

The  people  are  very  kind.  They  come  and  see 
me,  and  send  love  tokens.  They  wish  me  to  go  to 
their  homes  and  stay ;  but  I  think  no  very  considerable 
inducement  would  prevail  on  me  to  change  my  quarters. 
The  physicians  are  kind,  knowing,  and  skillful  men.     I 


328  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

have  confidence  in  their  decisions.  Dr.  A.,  Dr.  R*, 
and  my  three  physicians  here,  Dr.  Morton,  Dr.  Wilson 
and  Dr.  Farrer,  all  agree  as  to  my  case,  and  the  man- 
ner of  treating  it.  From  the  beginning  they  believe  me 
to  have  had  the  same  disease,  and  regret  that  it  was  not 
discovered  earlier.  So  do  I.  For  then,  instead  of 
rheumatism,  debility,  dispepsia,  and  consumption,  it 
would  have  been  known  that  there  was  a  curvature  in 
the  gpine,  and  a  disease  of  the  bone  which  has  mani- 
fested itself  in  the  pain  which  I  have  endured.  Thanks 
however  for  the  sympathies  of  all  my  medical  advisers. 
But  they  should  have  said,  "  let  me  examine."  It  is 
believed  here,  that  the  vertebrae  of  my  back,  or  otherwise 
the  back  bone  is  still  diseased.  The  affection  of  my 
lungs  is  accounted  for  from  their  compression  and  con- 
tiguity to  the  irritated  parts,  owing  to  the  curvature  of 
the  spine.  There  is  some  apprehension  that  this  afiec- 
tion  in  the  back  may  increase ;  but  hear  what  the  vene- 
rable father  of  the  physician.  Dr.  Wilsons,  says.  Not  to 
me,  but  to  others,  he  made  the  expression  :  *'  I  see  no 
obstacle  in  Mr.  Taylor's  way,  why  he  may  not  become 
a  well  man,  but  he  must  be  patient,"  Patience,  I  sup- 
pose, must  have  her  work  a  year  longer.  After  all,  you 
know  there  are  many  changes  within  a  year ;  but  so  I 
seem  to  feel,  that  I  may  become  strong  again  within  a 
year. 

"  In   the   morning,  by  the  time  I  am  prepared  for 
breakfast,  I  am  fatigued.    I  then  eat.    Afterwards,  read 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  329 

a  little.     Ride  three  miles  ;  come  home,  and  gladly  fall 
into  my  chair. 

**  This  leads  me  to  brother  K.'s  letter.  I  appeal  to 
you,  sister  E.,  and  I  appeal  to  a  multitude  who  have 
seen  me  away  from  my  northern  friends,  (I  will  not  say 
away  in  exile  any  more,  for  that  is  a  doleful  word,  and 
seems  to  leave  a  wrong  and  unhappy  impression  upon 
your  rnind,)  if  I  am  not  right  and  K.  wrong,  when  I  dif- 
fer with  him  about  what  he  deems  an  "  infelicity  of  dis- 
position in  me  to  dwell  in  tkoughtfulness  on  my  exile,^^ 
&c.  He  meant  this  all  in  kindest  sympathy;  but  he 
has  mistaken  me,  and  he  will  let  me  assure  him,  that  for 
the  most  part,  for  years,  I  have  thought  myself  the  hap' 
piest  of  mortals.  I  did  not  think  he  could  so  misunder- 
stand me  in  the  use  of  the  word  exile.  When  I  have 
left  you  all  it  has  been  from  the  conviction  that  I  was 
pursuing  my  duty.  It  is  duty  that  bids  me  stay  where 
I  am.  And  be  assured,  I  am  very  happy  here,  and 
though  busy  doing  nothing,  I  am  happy  even  thus  ; 
neither  am  I  much  endangered  by  excitement,  —  calm- 
ness rests  on  my  composed  brow,  and  the  peace  of  God 
which  passeth  ail  understanding  keeps  my  heart. 

*'  I  have  all  and  abound.  May  you  each  be  com- 
forted with  the  same  comfort  wherewith  I  am  comforted 
of  God." 

ti  *'  Your  affectionate  brother, 

"  James. 


28* 


330  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

*'  Increased  happiness  to  you  the  coming  year.  My 
love  to  K.,  the  children,  and  the  boys.  Remember  me 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bruen,  and  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  W. 
Send  word  to  Peekskill  of  me  when  you  write." 

From  Dr.  Rice  to  Mr.  K.  T.,  at  Washington. 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
9th  Jan.,  1829. 

"  My  dear  Friend  : 

"  You  are  now  within  one  hundred  and  eighty 
miles  of  us,  and  shall  we  not  see  you  1  How  glad  we 
should  be  to  have  you  under  our  root",  I  am  unable  to 
say.  But  we  are  not  so  selfish  as  to  wish  you  to  ne- 
glect duty,  or  incur  loss,  for  our  gratification.  We 
therefore  do  not  insist  on  your  coming.  If,  however, 
you  could  do  so  without  violating  your  obligations,  you 
would  make  us  glad  indeed. 

"  I  have  much  to  write,  and  almost  no  time  to  devote 
to  it  —  I  therefore  proceed  at  once. 
«i  "  Your  brother  seems  to  be  perfectly  satisfied  with  us  ; 
and  in  regard  to  all  means  of  recovery,  I  think  him  as 
well  situated  as  he  could  be.  His  physicians,  too, 
give  him  hopes,  but  tell  him  it  will  be  a  work  of  time. 
As  for  myself,  I  sometimes  hope,  and  sometimes  de- 
spond. He  has  during  the  last  week  been  much  more 
feeble  than  I  ever  saw  him  before  ;  but  within  two  days, 
he  has  raUied  considerably.     I  have  thought  that,  for 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  3  31 

some  time,  the  weather  has  been  almost  too  v/arm. 
The  thermometer  has  stood  at  64*^  to  70^,  in  the  shade. 
I  saw  the  other  day  a  very  fragrant  bunch  of  violets. 
The  air,  however,  has  been  dry  and  very  pure  until 
yesterday,  when  we  had  rain  all  day  from  the  north-east, 
—  now  it  is  very  clear.  The  distant  mountains  are 
covered  with  snow  ;  we  have  a  piercing  north-west 
wind,  and  the  thermometer  is  four  degrees  below  freez- 
ing. 

"  I  am  delighted  to  find  that  you  are  engaged  in  the 
great  cause.  There  is  a  stirring  of  some  energetic  men 
in  these  counties  around,  and  I  hope  that  Congress  will 
hear  from  us  before  long. 

"  Mrs.  Rice  expects  an  answer  to  her  letter,  and  has 
just  said  that  your  brother  James  would  be  willing  for 
you  to  suffer  a  little  in  taking  a  cold,  unpleasant  ride 
from  Washington,  for  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you.  But 
she  had  rather  you  would  come  in  the  spring,  when  our 
oaki trees  look  beautiful  and  afford  a  very  fine  shade — 
not  that  she  wants  to  see  you  less,  but  she  is  unwilling 
you  should  sufTer  for  her  gratification.  % 

"  Accept  the  repeated  assurances  of  our  Christian 
love.  "  Yours,  most  truly, 

"John  H.  Rice. 

"  I  should  like  exceedingly  to  have  the  sight  of  some 
of  your  fine  portraits.  Take  care  that  I  do  not  step  in 
some  day,  and  bear  off  yours  to  the  Seminary.  If  you 
had  two  of  Mr.  Little's,  I  should  be  sure  to  seize  one. 


332  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"  Prince  Edward, 

"  January  14,  1829. 

"  My  very  dear  Brother : 

"  I  received  your  letter  mailed  at  Washington. 
As  I  am  always  gladdened  by  your  letters,  so  was  I 
now  happy  in  breaking  the  seal  and  reading  the  contents 
of  this. 

"  I  was  glad  to  find  you  on  such,  and  so  good  an 
errand.  It  has  seemed  to  me  that  the  Lord  is  favouring 
you,  in  making  you  one  of  his  leaders  of  thousands.  I 
am  glad,  while  I  am  laid  aside,  that  I  have  a  brother 
working  with  his  might  to  roll  on  the  Gospel- car.  I 
look  on  and  rejoice.  Yours  is  the  strength,  —  mine  is 
the  weakness.  I  will  not  compare  our  labour  ;  but  my 
brother  knows  it  costs  something  to  sustain  the  hours 
in  which  one  is  busily  doing  nothing.  In  my  case,  it 
is  hard  work,  but  it  is  good  work.  With  debility  I  have 
more  to  contend  with  than  any  thing  else.  It  is  the 
legitimate  effect  of  the  now  known  cause.  I  cease  to 
wonder  at  its  existence  and  continuance.  You  know 
how,  from  the  beginning,  my  back  was  easily  fatigued. 
Probably  I  am  about  as  feeble  as  when  I  left  New-York. 
My  countenance  is  more  florid.  My  appetite  is  less. 
Take  no  medicine  now,  except  herb-tea. 

"  I  regretted  that  you  mistook  me.  I  did  not  mean  to 
have  you  suppose  for  a  moment,  that  I  was  unhappy.  The 
word  exihy  come  to  think  of  it,  is  a  doleful  word,  and  in 
some  circumstances,  horrible.     But  all  that  I  meant, 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  333 

was  the  fact  of  my  absence  from  home.  In  my  absence 
heretofore,  as  now,  I  have  often  thought  myself  the 
happiest  of  men  ;  —  so  be  comforted,  my  dear  brother, 
and  ever  think  of  me  as  taken  up  by  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther as  a  little  one,  and  greatly  blessed. 

"  By  a  letter  from  Charles  Gustavus,  I  should  infer 
that  you  thought  of  seeing  us,  after  your  visit  to  Wash- 
ington. I  need  not  say  how  gratified  our  dear  friends, 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Rice  would  be  to  see  your  face,  and  to 
welcome  you  to  their  home,  and  mine,  and  yours,  if  you 
will  come ;  —  I  should  be  comforted  at  your  coming. 
The  obstacles  that  weigh  in  my  mind  are  these, —  your 
business,  your  family,  the  severity  of  the  weather,  bad 
roads,  and  poor  accommodations.  It  is  my  '  care  for 
you,'  that  makes  me  enumerate  these  things.  Ex- 
posure might  make  you  sick.  If  you  come,  I  will  not 
be  behind  to  welcome  you. 

"  We  have  often  looked  to  the  coming  spring,  when 
the  Seminary  Board  will  meet.  Mr.  G.  is  then  to  be 
inaugurated.  We  have  often  said,  why  would  not 
brother  K.  be  present?  It  will  then  be  a  pleasant 
season  of  the  year.  Immediately  afterwards.  Dr.  and 
Mrs.  Rice  contemplate  going  north.  Think  of  it,  and 
see  if  you  cannot  gratify  your  desire  to  come  here. 

"I  will  try  to  write, the  boys.  Almost  every  effort 
is  a  task.  So  you  must  see  it,  by  this  letter.  The 
marks  of  weakness  accompany  the  movement  of  my 
pen,  —  the  fag  end  especially. 


334  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY   OF 

"  A  letter  from  Mr.  Kinsman  states,  that  he  will  not 
probably  survive  the  coming  spring.  His  letter  is  fraught 
with  good  feeling.  He  expresses  himself  as  happy  in 
the  prospect. 

"  On  the  Sabbath,  I  kept  house.  Cold.  On  Satur- 
day, my  soul  was  melted  in  view  of  our  heavenly  Fa- 
ther's presence.  Sitting  in  my  chair,  my  uplifted  de- 
sire was  uttered,  —  Father,  give  me  the  Holy  Spirit. 
An  unction  from  the  Holy  One  greatly  refreshed  my 
spirit.  I  had  been  saying,  '  Lord,  how  long,'  in  refer- 
ence to  my  protracted  trials.  My  whole  soul  yielded 
submissively,  and  said,  '  Ever  so  long,  —  but  thou  wilt 
give  me  thy  Spirit.'  My  dear  brother,  I  hardly  know 
when  my  confidence  hath  gained  strength  so  fast  in  God, 
that  he  would  make  me  happy.  With  unusual  sweet- 
ness I  adopted  the  language  of  Jesus,  *  Father,  glorify 
thyself.'  0,  I  felt  happy  to  think  that  He  would  be 
glorified, — that  he  would  be  happy,  and  render  me 
happy ! 

*'  After  such  baptisms  the  soul  rests  in  calm,  sweet, 
dove-like,  heavenly  peace.  Not  a  rill  crosses  the 
spirit. 

*'  May  my  brother  be  breathed  upon  and  receive  re- 
peatedly and  increasingly  the  gift  of  the  Spirit. 

"  With  increased  affections, 

"James. 

"  Mrs.  R.  received  your  letter,  and  is  obhged  for  it. 
She  sends  her  love,  with  the  hope  of  seeing  you  here. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  335 

*'  The  people  are  mindful  of  me,  and  send  birds 
and  little  comforts.  I  shall  go  away  much  in  their 
debt.  [  !  ] 

"  My  love  to  Mr.  Gurley.  Should  you  become 
acquainted  with  Mr.  J.  C,  senior,  or  junior,  they  wiP 
remember  me.     Remember  me  to  Uncle  Willey." 

"Prince  Edward  County,  Va., 

"January  15th,  1829. 

"  Dear  brother  Brewster : 

"  Your  love-letter  of  the  first  instant,  reached  me  a 
few  days  since.  I  was  glad  to  break  its  seal  and  find 
that  it  was  from  a  friend  and  brother  beloved. 

"  As  it  has  become  so  much  a  task  for  me  to  write,  I 
must  now  put  off  my  correspondents  with  but  a  few 
lines. 

"  By  letters  which  you  have  seen  from  me,  you  have 
learned  of  my  condition.  The  peace  of  God  which 
passeth  all  understanding,  keeps  my  heart  through 
Christ  Jesus.  Since  I  saw  you  I  have  not  been  a 
stranger  to  sweet  baptisms.  Their  calm,  dove-like  in- 
fluences leave  within  the  soul,  lasting,  solid  peace.  On 
my  behalf  you  will  rejoice.  I  am  glad  of  your  joy  and 
peace  in  believing.     May  it  increase  more  and  more. 

"  The  Seminary  here  is  flourishing.  Much  has 
already  been  done  by  it,  for  the  good  of  this  land. 
Manifold  more,  however,  is  that  which  remains  to 
be  done. 


336  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

"  My  affectionate  remembrance  to  Mrs.  Brewster, 
and  to  your  brothers  L.  and  J. 

"  My  debility  excuses  my  brevity.  I  shall  be  glad 
to  hear  from  you  again  and  again.  Dr.  Rice  joins  in 
love  with  me  to  yourself. 

"Yours  truly, 

"James  B.  Taylor. 

"P.  S.     By  Dr.  R. 

"It  is  my  privilege  to  have  our  dear  Christian 
brother  with  me.  He  is  indeed  feeble,  and  cannot  write 
much.  But  it  is  truly  delightful  to  have  him  here.  I 
find  it  so.  And  my  dear  wife  enjoys  very  great  plea- 
sure in  being  the  nurse  of  one  who  has  the  spirit  so  truly 
Christian.     But,  you  know  him. 

"  I  have  often  thought  of  the  prompt  and  cheerful 
spirit  with  which  you  subscribed  to  our  Seminary,  and 
have  wished  you  might  have  evidence  that  what  you 
gave  was  blessed  to  the  building  up  of  the  kingdom  of 
that  Saviour  whom  you  love.  And  I  do  trust  you  will 
often  rejoice,  in  this  life,  for  what  you  did  to  promote 
Christ's  religion,  in  this  desolate  region.  In  eternity, 
you  will  see  much  more.  The  Lord  has  prospered  us 
indeed.  Much  has  been  done.  But  yet,  much  more 
remains.  My  brother,  always  remember  us  in  your 
prayers.  May  you  enjoy  the  continual  presence  of  him 
whom  you  love,  and  be  able  to  do  much  for  the  glory  of 
his  grace.     My  wife,  although  you  do  not  know  heiv 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  337 

loves  you  as  a  follower  of  Christ,  and  joins  in  affection- 
ate regards,  with 

"  Yours,  truly, 

"John  H.  Rice." 

**  Prince  Edward  County,  Va. 

"  January  20th,  1829. 

"  Dear  brother  J. 

*'  If  my  heart  would  ever  let  me  chide  a  brother  so 
affectionate  and  kind,  I  might  indulge  a  Httle  in  the  lan- 
guage of  complaint.  You  were  the  first  to  let  me  hear 
when  absent  last  spring.  But  I  will  presume  that  you 
have,  as  usual,  been  greatly  occupied.  Let  me  assure  you, 
however,  that  no  small  part  of  my  foreign  pleasure  comes 
through  letters  from  those  I  love.  Those  which  I  have 
written,  have  cost  me  labour,  as  every  effort  does,  and 
surely,  I  know  I  would  not  write  again  but  to  gratify  my 
friends.  Though  my  letters  are  directed  to  K.,  I  mean 
the  information  for  all. 

*'  Before  this  shall  reach  you,  you  will  have  seen  K. 
A  letter  from  him  yesterday  announced  that  he  might 
leave  Washington  to-day.  He  has  thrice  written  me 
from  the  capital.  I  am  sorry  that  he  still  thinks  me 
depressed. 

"  K.   asked  me  a  few  questions  in  his  letters.     I 

answer  them  here.     During  the  cold  weather  I  kept 

house.     Felt  no  inconvenience  from  it.     It  lasted  four 

days,  and  produced  ice  three  inches  thick.     This  morn- 

29 


338  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

ing  it  is  like  May.  Very  little  pain  attends  me.  Not 
enough  to  be  mentioned.  Every  comfort  surrounds  me. 
Mrs.  Rice  is  devoted  as  my  kind,  my  sufficient  nurse. 
I  am  among  friends  whom  I  love,  and  who  love  me. 
How  is  sister  R.  ?  I  have  heard  of  the  new-born  son. 
My  love  to  R.  I  hope  she  enjoys  religion  as  much  as 
when  we  saw  her  on  her  sick  bed.  Tell  Gustavus,  I  re- 
ceived his  letter,  and  was  glad  he  remembered  me  to  write. 
He  may  expect  to  hear  from  me  in  answer  by-and-by. 
Tell  S.,  he  has  not  answered  my  letter  sent  him  from 
Richmond. 

"Yours,  affectionately, 

"James." 

From  Dr.  R. 

"  Union  Seminary,  23d  Jan.,  1829. 
"  My  dear  Friend : 

"  I  do  not  know  that  any  change  has-  taken  place 
in  our  brothers's  disease,  since  I  last  wrote.  It  is  cer- 
tain, however,  that  he  can  lie  on  his  side  now  for  a  con- 
siderable time.  And  this  he  has  not  been  able  to  do,  I 
think  he  says,  for  two  years.  But  whether  we  are  to 
augur  any  thing  favourable  from  this  circumstance,  I  do 
not  know.  It  is  past  all  doubt  that  his  disease  is  not 
removed.  Sometimes  he  is  quite  comfortable,  and 
appears  really  to  enjoy  life.  At  other  times,  he  is  too 
feeble  to  live,  almost.     I  was  going  to  add,  that  he  is  in 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  339 

the  hands  of  a  nurse  who  delights  to  minister  to  his 
comfort  —  but  he  is  in  the  hands  of  his  compassionate 
Lord  ;  and  there  we  may  well  rejoice,  to  leave  all  that 
we  love. 

"  It  would  have  rejoiced  us  all  most  highly,  could  you 
have  visited  us  consistently  with  your  duty.  But  we 
wished  you  to  do  as  you  ought.  We  hope  yet  to  see 
you  at  an  institution,  which  we  believe  you  love. 
Though  absent,  never  forget  it  in  your  prayers. 

"I  fear  your  stay  at  the  seat  of  Government  did 
nothing  to  heighten  your  ideas  of  the  purity  of  our  body 
politic.  I  doubt  whether  there  is  more  corruption  any 
where  than  in  the  centre  of  our  republic.  At  Washing- 
ton I  see  more  than  any  where  else,  the  little  influence 
of  religion  in  our  country.  The  servants  of  the  people 
Beem  generally  to  think  that  their  masters  care  very  little 
about  their  moral  character.  And  I  apprehend,  that  it 
is  even  so. 

"  Mrs.  Rice  joins  with  me  in  most  cordial  and  affec- 
tionate regards  to  you  and  yours.  My  dear  brother, 
may  you  do  much  for  the  cause  of  your  Lord  and 
Master. 

"  Most  truly,  yours, 

"  John  H.  RieE. 

"I  received  three  or  four  letters  from  Washington. 
I  wrote  you  some  days  since,  addressed  to  Washington. 
Your  inquiries  were  answered  in  a  letter  to  J.,  by  last 
mail.  "  J.  B.  T.» 


340  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

"Prince  Edward,  Ya., 

January  25th,  1829. 

"  Dear  brother  F. 

"  Your  letter  I  received  in  due  time.  I  wrote  Mrs. 
J.,  in  which  I  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  yours.  You 
would  have  heard  from  me  earlier,  but  I  expected 
through  her  again  to  hear  from  you. 

"  Every  thing  is  done  here  to  make  me  happy.  My 
power  of  talking  is  greater  than  when  I  left  you.  My 
voice  is  stronger.  I  suppose  I  am  quite  as  feeble  as  I 
was  last  summer  and  autumn. 

"I  have  to  work  hard  to  sustain  my  daily  labour, 
which  is  to  bear  up  under  extreme  debihty.  You  re- 
member that  it  was  difficult  for  me  to  lie  on  either  side. 
Now  I  can,  partially,  on  both.  My  physicians  speak 
quite  confidently  of  my  recovery. 

"  I  am  glad  as  the  days  roll  by.  I  may  be  a  little 
home-sick,  and  yet  not  be  sick  of  this  my  home.  Mrs. 
R.  is  my  own  and  affectionate  and  constant  attendant, 
and  seems  happy  in  doing  for  me,  and  complains  that  I 
am  of  so  little  trouble. 

"  I  amuse  myself  with  '  Rush,  on  the  voice.'  I  love 
elocution.  Are  you  attending  to  it  ?  I  believe  it  of 
primary  importance. 

"  I  heard  from  Knowles  frequently,  while  at  Wash- 
ington. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  341 

*'  I  am  tired.  Love  to  friends.  Let  me  hear  from 
you  soon. 

"  Affectionately, 

"James. 
"  Love  to  Catharine.     I  sometimes  attend  a  lecture 
in  the  Seminary. 

To  J.  B.  T. 

"  New-IIaven,  February  8,  1829. 

*.*  My  dear  Friend  and  Brother : 

*'  This  is  not  the  first  time  I  have  sat  down  and 
taken  my  pen  for  you  since  the  reception  of  your  kind, 
welcome,  and  precious  letter  to  us,  for  which  our  hearts 
have  thanked  you  a  thousand  times. 

"  Dear  Mr.  Taylor,  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  interrupted 
this  evening.  I  feel  so  much  disposed  for  a  social  in- 
terview with  you.  Would  that  I  could  '  refresh  your 
heart  by  a  letter'  as  you  request.  But  how  can  I  ?  I 
feel  my  incapacity  but  too  sensibly.  But  you  may  rest 
assured  of  this,  that  if  my  ability  equalled  my  inclination, 
you  should  be  refreshed  and  comforted  largely,  even  by 
this  poor  communication. 

*'  We  could  not  but  lift  our  hearts  to  God  in  gratitude 
for  the  favourable  account  you  gave  of  your  health. 
Nor  could  we  avoid  sendino:  a  thought  forward  to  the 
lapse  of  another  year,  when,  (if  spared  ourselves,)  we 
might  be  indulged  with  seeing  you  perfectly  convales- 
29* 


342  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

cent,  and  a  watchman  upon  the  walls  of  Zion.  Since 
the  date  of  your  letter  to  us,  we  have  heard,  through 
your  brother  F.,  accounts  which  seem  to  promise  not  so 
much  for  your  recovery  —  at  least  so  far  —  that  you  are 
becoming  more  and  more  debilitated.  And  we  are  much 
concerned  to  know  what  the  result  may  be  —  almost 
unwilling  to  leave  it  wholly  with  God,  without  making 
the  condition  that  the  termination  may  be  according  to 
our  wishes.  Pardon  this  undue  solicitude,  and  pray 
that  the  feelings  of  your  friends  may  be  set  right.  The 
thought  is  consoling,  that  you  have  large  experience  of 
the  important,  practical  truth,  that  God  knows  what  is 
best,  and  that  is  best  for  you  —  for  all  of  us.  Would 
that  this  precious  truth  rested  with  more  power  and  con- 
solation on  my  own  soul.  Why  should  we  be  anxious 
when  we  are  '  cared  for,  watched  over,  and  provided  for 
by  the  Lord  God  of  Elijah?  Yet,  solicitude  often  dif- 
fuses itself  through  every  feeling  of  my  soul.  It  is  the 
same  which  is  induced  by  a  sense  of  unprotected  widow- 
hood—  an  emotion  of  mingled  sorrow  and  desertion, 
felt  only  by  those  whom  the  *  Lord  hath  made  desolate.' 
But  I  think  that  this  sore  chastisement  is  more  salutary 
to  me  than  formerly,  inasmuch  as  it  drives  me  to  a  throne 
of  grace  —  keeps  me  from  looking  again  to  the  beg- 
garly elements  of  the  world  —  and  urges  me  to  more 
activity,  and  more  prompt  performance  of  duty.  But,  I 
forget  that  I  am  talking  of  myself.  You  see  how  I  re- 
collect you  have  a  heart  of  sympathy,  and  if  you  should 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  343 

let  fall  a  tear  for  the  sorrows  of  your  friend,  it  would  not, 
perhaps,  be  the  first.  But  I  desire  you  will  spare  them 
for  a  more  worthy  occasion.  Only  indulge  us  with  the 
beUef  that  we  are  remembered  in  your  supplications  to  a 
throne  of  mercy. 

"  You  are  not  forgotten  in  our  family  circle,  nor  in  our 
family  worship,  and  whenever  dear  Mr.  B.,  comes  in  to 
pray  with  us,  he  always  brings  your  case  in  affectionate 
remembrance  before  God. 

"I  saw  your  brother  F.,  on  Thursday  morning,  and 
in  the  evening  we  had  a  visit  from  your  brother  J.  He 
has  gone  on  to  M.  H.,  with  C.  Your  neice  desired 
her  love.     We  love  her  much. 

"  We  hear  —  as  I  understand  it,  through  a  gentleman 
who  met  you  at  a  wedding  somewhere  in  the  neigh 
bourhood  where  you  are  staying  —  that  you  were  able  to 
visit  among  them,  which  led  us  to  hope  you  might  be 
enjoying  yourself,  and  contributing  to  the  enjoyment  of 
others. 

"  We  rejoice  that  ypu  are  so  pleasantly  situated  in  the 
family  of  Dr.  Rice,  where  you  find  kind,  sympathizing. 
Christian  friends.  Please  present  my  respectful  com- 
pliments to  dear  Mrs.  Rice,  and  say  we  thank  her  a 
thousand  times  for  all  her  kind  care  of  you.  I  know 
she  will  be  a  thousand  fold  compensated  in  the  sweet 
satisfaction  she  must  feel  in  being  permitted  thus  to 
minister  to  the  wants  and  comfort  of  a  servant  of  the 


S44  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

Lord  Jesus.     If  we  were  near  enough,  we  should  love 
to  relieve  her  of  this  care. 

"  Dear  friend,  we  do  not  ask  you  to  indulge  us  again 
with  a  letter,  owing  to  your  weak  state.  But  you  know 
very  well  how  much  it  would  gratify  us.  At  any  rate 
we  hope  to  hear  through  your  family  friends,  that  the 
Lord  is  blessing  the  means  used  for  your  recovery.  Do 
not  forget  the  household  of  your  widowed  friend.  We 
hope  you  will  yet  cheer  us  again  by  your  presence." 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
February  11,  1829. 

"  Dear  Brother : 

"  Your  last  letter  was  from  New- York.  Relative 
to  porter  with  lime  water,  the  doctors  agree  in  thinking 
it  worth  the  trial.  I  drank  it  yesterday.  Shortly,  I 
propose  to  try  electricity. 

"  For  some  time  past  I  have  been  gradually  growing 
feeble.  I  am  much  more  so  than  on  my  arrival.  For 
a  few  days  along  back,  I  seemed  to  have  something 
like  the  crawling  of  cold,  approximating  to  chills  suc- 
ceeded by  fever.  This  has  been  attributed  to  bile.  I 
have  taken  calomel.  These  changes  enfeeble  me  much. 
If  the  spinal  disease  continue  as  the  doctors  think,  this 
debility  is  to  be  accounted  for.  My  appetite  has  failed 
considerably  —  though  varieties,  I  relish  a  little. 

"  Friends  around  are  very  kind.  One  sends  birds  — 
another  dried  fruit  —  another  jelly  —  another  sweet  po- 


JAMES    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  345 

tatoes  —  another,  spunge  cake,  dried  beef,  &c.  &c. 
another,  a  few  apples — to-day,  another  sent  me  fine 
grapes.  Think  not  that  I  want  for  many  good  things 
in  the  mansion  where  I  dwell. 

"  Mrs.  Rice,  who  sends  love,  is  still  my  kind  nurse. 
She  does  much  to  make  me  comfortable. 

"  I  am  glad  at  every  days  exit.  And  though  weaker, 
and  helpless,  I  hope  to  be  returned  to  you  whh  gladness 
in  much  patience,  and  full  submission  to  the  will  of  our 
heavenly  Father. 

*'  I  am  at  intervals  stronger,  but  should  you  see  me 
at  other  times,  you  would  see  me  like  a  rag,  and  un- 
willing to  move  a  muscle.  Notwithstanding  all  this, 
the  doctors  say,  with  care,  he  will  probably  recover. 

"  I  am  wearied  already  in  this  little  doing. 
"  Affectionately, 

"  James. 

"  14th.  I  received  a  letter  from  Henry  to-day  — 
was  well." 

*'  By  my  amanuensis,  Mrs.  Rice,  I  had  thought  of 
telling  you  at  greater  length.  But  like  all  glorious 
manifestations  of  God  to  the  soul,  this  beggars  descrip- 
tion. However,  let  me  say,  that  to-day  I  have  had 
sweet,  melting  thoughts  of  going  to  another  world. 
Gladly,  while  alone,  and  resting  in  the  easy  chair, 
would  I  have  bade  earth  farewell,  and  winged  my  way 


346  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

to  the  paradise  of  God.     The  Lord  said,  nay.     I  yet 
stay,  and  would  patiently  wait  until  my  change  comes. 
"  I  find  it  easier  to  dictate  than  to  write  with  my  own 
hand, 

»  James." 
"  P.  S.  By  Mrs.  Rice. 
**  I  wished  to  save  our  dear  friend,  labour,  and  have 
therefore  written  the  above  part  of  the  letter  for  him. 
We  feel  great  concern  to  see  him  suffer  under  such  ex- 
cessive debility.  I  do  indeed  feel  it  a  great  privilege  to 
have  one  of  his  spirit,  so  much  with  me,  and  trust  that 
it  will  not  —  that  it  has  not  been  in  vain.  I  often  wish 
that  some  of  his  own  beloved  relatives  could  be  with 
him,  for  his  comfort.  But  I  am  sure,  none  of  you  could 
delight  more  in  doing  any  thing  for  him  than  his  own 
nurse,  and 

"  Your  friend, 

"Anne  S.  Rice." 
Again,  in  the  hand  of  Mr.  T. 
*'  Let  them  hear  on  the  Hill,  either  by  this  letter  or 
your  communications  from  me." 

It  makes  one's  heart  ache  as  he  follows  Mr.  Taylor 
through  his  manuscript-letters,  and  sees  the  evidence  of 
his  increasing  debility,  and  sinking  course  in  his  hand- 
writing until  he  reaches  this  last  letter,  where  we  let 
fall  a  tear  as  we  visibly  see  one  of  the  threads  of  life 
cut  as  he  drops  his  pen  in  exhaustion,  and  falls  back 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  347 

in  his    bed  to  dictate  to    the  pen   of  his  affectionate 
amanuensis. 

Mr.  Taylor's  hand-writing,  in  his  letters  previous  to 
his  illness,  has  seldom  been  equalled  for  its  distinct- 
ness, beauty,  and  correctness.  This  letter  exhibits  to 
the  eye  an  affecting  contrast  to  his  earlier,  distinct,  and 
beautifully  formed  characters.  But  we  will  pursue  him 
in  his  further  few  attempts  to  pen  the  out-breathing  of 
his  gentle,  devoted,  and  affectionate  spirit  to  the  kindred 
who  ever  lay  near  his  heart,  and  who  ceased  not  to 
have  his  warm  sympathies  and  tears  of  love,  when  his 
hand  could  no  longer  express  to  them  the  devotion  of 
his  thoughts. 

From  Dr.  Rice. 

"  Union  Seminary,  17th  Feb.  1829. 

"  My  beloved  Friend  : 

"  The  state  of  your,  and  our  dear  brother's  health 
is  such,  that  I  feel  that  I  ought  to  let  you  hear  from  him 
by  every  mail. 

**  First  I  must  tell  you  that  his  mind  is  in  a  most 
serene  and  joyful  state.  He  indeed  seems  to  enjoy 
perfect  peace,  and  to  long  that  his  '  end  may  soon 
come.' 

"  As  to  his  disease,  I  will  just  give  you  the  opinion 
of  a  medical  gentleman,  more  to  be  relied  on,  I  think, 
than  any  other  physician  in  the  county,  Dr.  W.     He 


348  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

says  that  the  disease  of  the  spine  is  yet  in  progress,  and 
that  it  may  reduce  him  to  an  extreme  state  of  debility. 
But  afterwards  he  may  rally,  and  finally  get  well.  Yet, 
that  when  he  first  came  here  he  had  some  symp- 
toms of  a  pulmonary  affection,  which  have  rather  in- 
creased during  the  winter  than  diminished,  and  there  is 
reason  to  apprehend  that  he  may  die  of  consumption. 
The  doctor,  however,  does  not  think  that,  should  this  be 
the  case,  dissolution  is  near  at  hand.  In  a  word,  there 
is  a  possibility  of  recovery,  but  the  probability  is  rather 
against  it. 

"  Mrs.  Rice,  who  is  his  constant  nurse,  makes  the  fol- 
lowing statement :  Her  friend's  strength  declines  visi- 
bly every  day,  and,  if  he  goes  much  farther,  he  must 
take  his  departure  soon,  from  mere  debility.  It  is  now 
almost  a  week  since  he  left  his  room,  and  he  is  unable 
to  dress  himself,  or  do  any  thing  more  than  a  child. 
Busily  engaged,  as  I  am,  I  cannot  be  with  him  a  great 
deal  of  the  time,  but  Mrs.  Rice  devotes  herself  to  him, 
and  I  may  assure  you,  that  a  mother  or  sister  could  not 
nurse  him  with  more  anxious  assiduity  than  she  does. 

"  He  has  a  strong  feeling,  himself,  that  he  shall  not 
live  long,  and  has  been  exceedingly  anxions  to  see  his 
relations.  He  has  for  some  time  been  saying  that  he 
wanted  to  die  with  his  parents.*     But  now  he  appears 

*  The  Eastern  blessing,  "  Mat  tou  die  amo\g  tour  kindred,'* 
comes  with  a  new  beauty  in  sentiment  and  additional  pathos  in 
feeling,  when  quoted  in  this  association. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  349 

to  be  perfectly  reconciled  to  return  home  and  live,  or 
die  there,  or  die  here,  just  as  the  Lord  pleases. 

*'  I  do  not  pretend  to  give  any  advice,  but  only  a  state- 
ment of  facts,  that  you  may  judge  what  is  best  to  be 
done.  He  talked  something,  for  some  days,  of  setting 
out  for  home,  as  soon  as  the  weather  becomes  milder. 
But  this  is  out  of  the  question.  Unless  he  should  rally, 
he  never  can  leave  this  place. 

"  My  own  opinion  is,  that  his  case  is  one  of  extreme 
uncertainty,  and  that  every  thing  depends  on  the  strength 
of  his  constitution.  If  that  is  very  strong,  and  has  not 
been  too  much  injured  by  his  disease,  he  may  yet  re- 
cover. But  no  one  knows  how  this  is  —  and  the  suf- 
fering which  he  now  endures  may  very  soon  exhaust 
all  that  is  left  of  the  vital  principle. 

"  We  are  glad  to  have  him  here.  I  am  sure  that  he 
has  been  of  use  already,  and  I  trust  that  he  will,  should 
he  die,  be  still  of  much  greater  use  to  the .  Seminary. 
His  example  is  a  great  thing.  His  talk  to  the  students 
is  very  impressive. 

'*  You  will,  of  course,  let  all  concerned,  know  the 
contents  of  this  letter.  My  dear  brother,  the  Lord  be 
with  you,  and  bless  you. 

"  I  am,  most  truly  yours, 

"  John  H.  Rice. 

*'  Mrs.  Rice  has  seen  this  letter,  and  she  wishes  me 
to  add,  that  your  brother  would  be  in  the  highest  degree 
gratified  to  see  you.     So  that  if  you  can  leave  your  busi- 
30 


350  TRIBUTE   TO  THE    MEMORY  OF 

ness,  she  thinks  that  you  ought  to  come.  She  also 
adds,  that  he  not  only  declines  daily  but  rapidly.  And 
if  the  process  goes  on,  he  cannot  possibly  hold  out 
much  longer.  His  appearance  to  night  convinces  her 
of  this." 

The  following  letter  is  in  the  hand-writing  of  Mrs. 
R.,  except  the  signature  "  James,"  which  was  written 
by  Mr.  T.'s  own  hand. 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
19th  February,  1829. 

"  Dear  brother  K. 

"  Since  my  last  letter,  which  was  a  week  ago,  I 
have  continued  to  fail.  I  have  neither  been  dressed, 
nor  have  left  my  room.  My  appetite,  though  now  and 
then  something  relishes,  is  in  coincidence  with  my 
weakness.  My  nights  are  restless.  Cough  increased. 
External  things  losing  their  interest.  Faith  gathers 
strength.* 

"  I  have  often  thought,  though  so  weak,  if  the  weather 
were  suitable  of  setting  out  for  the  north,  to  spend  my 
last  declining  days  among  the  friends  I  love.  It 
has  occurred  to  me  as  never  before,  that,  though 
grievous,  it  still  gives  parents  pleasure,  to  have  their 
children,    when    dying,    with    them.      Brothers     and 

*  What  a  subject  for  a  painter  —  Mrs.  R.  besidfi  J.  T.'s  bed 
with  her  pen  in  her  hand,  paper  in  her  lap,  and  looking  into  hia 
face  to  catch  his  every  word. 


JAMES   ERAINERD   TAYLOR.  361 

sisters,  too,  would  rather  than  otherwise,  stand  around 
the  dying  bed  of  one  of  their  household.  Sister  E.  has 
expressed  herself  as  desirous  of  being  with  me  in  my 
dying  hours.  I  should  love  to  add  all  the  comfort  in 
my  power  to  those  who  have  so  often  comforted  me. 

"  To  me  it  has  been  apparent  that  I  might  not  sur- 
vive the  coming  few  months ;  for,  on  the  whole,  my  case 
appears  more  critical,  than  at  any  former  time.  The 
Physicians  deal  in  May-Be^s.  They  look  on  my  case 
as  not  decided  either  way. 

"I  have  told  you  the  simple  story  of  my  feelings, 
believing  there  is  a  possibility,  though  little  probability 
of  my  recovery.  And  this  is  presented  for  you  to  judge 
whether  it  be  best,  should  I  not  gather  strength,  for  me 
to  come  to  you  ere  long.  Mr.  Micah  Baldwin  left  us 
this  morning.  He  will  probably  see  you  within  a  fort- 
night ;  and  will  probable  say  that  I  looked  better  than  he 
anticipated.  He  happened  to  see  me  at  favourable 
times.  No  one  but  myself  and  Mrs.  Rice  know  the 
extent  of  my  case.  Though  it  may  be  gratifying  to 
see  a  person  who  has  seen  me  ;  yet  his  solicitude  for  my 
recovery  has  probably  led  him  to  favour,  and  will  lead 
him  to  report,  too  favourable  an  opinion. 

"  20th.  This  has  been  a  feebler  day  than  yesterday. 
And,  as  the  impression  was  natural,  I  thought  that  this 
room  might  prove  the  place  whence  I  shall  take  my 
exit  to  another  world.     Believe  that  I  am  kindly  and 


352  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

most  mercifully  handed  along  down  the  hill  of  life,  and 
I  hope  that  the  last  step  will  be  to  glorify  God.   . 

"  Unless  I  should  gather  strength,  this  will  probably 
prove  the  last  letter  that  I  shall  ever  dictate.  But  you 
will  hear  of  me  through  my  kind  friends  who  are  ever 
ready  to  be  my  helpers. 

"With  an  increased  affection  and  love  to  you  all, 

"  James. 

"  I  wrote  you,  dear  friend,  by  last  mail,  and  promised 
to  write  again  But  I  really  do  not  know  what  to  add 
to  the  communication  of  your  dear  brother.  The  phy- 
sicians have  given  us  reason  to  expect  the  extreme  de- 
bility under  which  he  now  labours.  And  they  have 
said  that  the  result  would  be  doubtful.  He  might  strug- 
gle through  and  recover,  or  he  might  go  down  to  the 
grave.  I  can  perceive  the  very  strong  workings  of 
natural  affection  in  the  sufferer.  He  appears  to  long 
for  the  presence  of  some  relations,  but  says  he  knows 
it  is  out  of  the  question.  He  appears  to  be  wiUing  to 
live  or  die,  but  is  very  desirous  to  die  at  home.  You 
shall  hear  by  next  mail.  Do  write  to  him  very  often. 
His  spirit  sunk  when  he  found  that  there  was  no  letter 
to-day. 

*'  Mrs.  Rice  takes  pleasure  in  acting  a  mother's  part 
by  him,  and  sends  love  to  you. 

"  Your  assured  friend, 

"  J.  H.  Rice.'* 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  353 

To  Dr.  Rice. 

"New- York,  23d  July,  1829. 
^*  My  dear  Friend  : 

"  I  have  received  your  two  letters  of  the  thirteenth 
and  seventeenth  inst.,  for  which  I  am  thankful,  whilst  I 
feel  deeply  concerned  for  the  issue  of  my  dear  brother's 
health.  I  hardly  know  what  to  write  you  in  reply  to 
your  respective  suggestions  in  regard  to  him.  It  would 
greatly  gratify  me  to  meliorate  his  condition  in  any  way  ; 
and  I  should  cheerfully  comply  with  his  desire  for  me  to 
visit  Prince  Ed  ward,  if  it  is  advisable,  all  things  consider- 
ed. I  should  have  gone  to  Va.,  when  at  Washington,  if  I 
had  anticipated  at  all  the  change  of  his  circumstances  of 
health.  It  is  well  remarked  by  you,  that  regrets  are  now 
unavailing  ;  and  I  may  add,  it  is  merciful  in  God  towards 
us  that  we  do  not  know  what  is  to  come  upon  us  in  our 
pilgrimage  through  this  Avorld.  It  is  my  earnest,  devout 
prayer,  that  my  brother  may  be  spared  and  restored  to 
health  and  usefulness,  if  consistent  with  the  will  of  our 
heavenly  Father.  I  know  —  I  hope  I  kel,  that  it  is 
alone  in  Him  our  strength  lies,  and  that  all  applications 
and  remedies  are  utterly  and  entirely  unavailing  with- 
out his  blessing.  Ah,  my  dear  friend,  to  whom  else 
can  we  go  ]  It  is  indeed  our  consolation  that  we  can 
go  to  our  common  Lord  and  seek  for  grace  and  strength 
and  for  wisdom,  under  all  our  relations  in  life,  so  that 
we  may  derive  from  his  fulness,  and  rest  on  him  for  our 

30* 


354  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY   OF 

relief.  Unreservedly  would  I  commit  this  beloved  brother 
to  Jesus  Christ,  both  his  Lord  and  ours — for  whom  I  hope 
he  has  been  trained ;  and  for  whose  glory,  whether  he 
lives  or  dies,  his  prayers  ascend  to  God.  We  all  here 
need  to  be  humbled  and  abased  in  view  of  our  afflictions 
and  I  hope  we  may  be  sanctified  before  Him,  who 
searcheth  our  hearts  and  trieth  our  reins. 

"  I  have  not,  perhaps,  for  myself,  been  so  ready  to 
suppose  his  decline  to  be  so  great  and  rapid,  as  is  the 
fact,  and  no  doubt  that  his  own  letters  have  had  a  ten- 
dency to  impress  my  mind,  in  some  measure,  as  I  have 
been  led  to  believe.  I  know  that  on  him  my  affections 
have  deeply  rested,  and  that  I  have  looked  forward  to 
the  day  of  his  ministerial  usefulness  with  feelings  of 
great  delight  —  but,  in  this  matter  as  in  many  others,  I 
may  experience  grievous  disappointment.  I  have  sought 
to  have  him  prepared  for  the  ministry,  as  the  Lord  did 
not  indicate  it  my  duty  to  prepare  for  the  sacred  office. 
May  he  be  returned  to  us  yet,  as  it  were  from  the  dead, 
to  do  good  in  this  world,  and  to  be  instrumental  in  the 
conversion  of  souls.  You  may  say,  'ah,  my  brother, 
you  hope  against  hope!'  My  hope  is  in  God,  who 
alone  can  bring  it  to  pass.  He  raised  him  once  when 
hope  was  gone,  from  former  illness,  and  He  alone  can 
do  so  now. 

"  I  enclose  a  letter  to  James  from  my  brother  J.,  writ- 
ten, as  you  will  perceive,  under  feelings  of  great  affection. 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  355 

If  James  should  revive  and  have  it  read  to  him,  he  will 
participate  in  the  sympathy,  and  be  refreshed  in  spirit 
and  in  body  by  it.  I  know  he  has  felt  himself  ready, 
through  grace,  to  go  at  his  Master's  bidding.  I  know, 
moreover,  that  his  desire  of  life  is  connected  with  the 
advance  of  the  Saviour's  kingdom. 

"  My  dear  friends  i  I  feel  that  you  have  had  a  great 
deal  of  labour  and  trouble  in  this  sickness  of  my  brother. 
I  desire  to  relieve  you  in  any  possible  way  I  can.  I 
hope  you  will  procure  every  assistance  for  Mrs.  R.'s  re- 
lief, and,  that  you  have  done  so  already.  I  shall  write 
you  again  to-morrow,  and  inform  you  what  my  brother 
J.  and  myself  shall  conclude  on,  in  regard  to  cither's 
going  from  here  to  Prince  Edward.  I  shall  write  my 
brother  Fitch  at  Nev/-Haven,  to  come  directly  to  New- 
York,  and,  in  case  of  his  coming,  he  will  be  here  on 
Wednesday  evening,  with  a  design  to  go  on  to  P.  E.,  if 
it  shall  be  considered  best.  I  could  enter  into  many 
reasons  why  chains  are  upon  me  at  home  just  now,  but 
I  forbear,  hoping  for  wisdom  to  direct  in  all  that  pertains 
to  our  duty.  Fain  would  I  fly  and  be  with  you  —  but  I 
have  no  wings  —  fain  would  I  ride,  and  I  will,  if  it  is  my 
duty. 

"  My  love  to  James,  and  say  that  I  shall  write  this 
evening,  as  I  shall  watch  over  our  little  folks  sick  with 


356  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

the  measles,  or  in  time  for  the  morrow's  mail.     The 
letter  may  reach  him  as  soon  as  this  reaches  you. 
"  With  great  regard, 

"  Your  friend  and  brother, 

"K.  Taylor. 
"  I  hope  you  will  write  me  every  mail,  if  it  is  but  a 
few  lines." 

To  Mr.  F.  W.  Taylor. 

"  New- Haven,  Connecticut. 

"  The  two  last  letters  which  we  have  received  from 
Prince  Edward,  in  regard  to  brother  James,  are  of  a 
discouraging  character.  His  health  is  evidently  failing ; 
and  it  is  doubtful  whether  he  will  overcome  that  debility 
which  affects  him.  After  consultation  with  J.  R.  and 
E.,  we  conclude  that  it  will  be  best  for  you  to  go  on 
there  to  his  relief;  and  that  you  had  better  leave  New- 
Haven,  if  you  can,  immediately  on  the  reception  of  this 
letter,  and  reach  New- York  as  soon  as  possible.  If  you 
get  this  before  the  mail-coach  leaves  to-morrow  even- 
ing, come  in  it.  If  this  should  not  reach  you  until  the 
mail  shall  have  left  New-Haven  to-morrow  evening, 
come  in  the  stage  the  next  morning.  There  is  so  much 
ice  it  is  difficult  for  the  boats  to  run. 

"  Place  your  books  in  proper  order,  and  leave  them 
so.  You  will  be  able  to  see  to  this  before  you  leave. 
Be  careful  to  be  warmly  clad  if  you  come  in  the  stage." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  357 

The  preceding  letter  from  friends  in  New- York,  was 
addressed,  as  seen,  to  Mr.  F.  W.  Taylor,  then  at  New- 
Haven.  He  left  N.  H.  the  evening  of  its  reception. 
The  mail  started  on  runners.  Owing  to  the  severe 
storm  of  rain  during  the  day,  and  the  unusual  weight  of 
the  mails,  it  was  found  impossible  to  proceed  far  from 
the  city.  After  some  delay  in  changing  the  heavy  mail- 
bags  from  runners  to  wheels,  the  storm  still  raging,  the 
mail-coach  proceeded  on  its  route  to  New-York,  and 
reached  the  city  after  considerable  detention  in  conse- 
quence of  the  almost  impassable  state  of  the  roads. 
Without  any  del^iy,  Mr.  T.  continued  his  route  south- 
ward. 

"  New- York,  Feb.  26th,  1829. 
"  My  dear  Brother : 

"  I  wrote  you  a  few  days  ago,  and  this  morning 
have  received  your  letter  of  the  19th  and  20th  instant. 
I  anticipated  that  you  probably  would  be  weaker  at  the 
time  your  letter  was  dated.  I  mingle  my  tears  with 
yours,  and  with  heart-felt  affection  say,  with  uplifted 
desires,  *  Father,  thy  will  be  done.'  So  have  I  felt,  with 
some  serenity,  in  my  usual  morning  and  evening  wor- 
ship, when  my  thoughts  have  rested  on  your  case,  as  I 
have  presented  myself  at  the  throne  of  mercy.  I  am  re- 
minded of  you  as  I  enter  my  room  for  this  devotion,  being 
eyed  by  a  portraiture  that  deeply  tells  me  our  sole  de- 
pendence is  on  God. 


358  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

"  I  pray  that  your  faith  may  increase  amidst  all 
your  trials,  and  that  you  may  find  a  Saviour  precious  and 
near  to  you  through  every  scene.  I  know  He  is  faith- 
ful and  will  administer  to  your  relief,  if  consistent  with 
his  will,  and  yet  give  you  to  appear  to  his  praise  among 
his  followers  here.  It  is  not,  however,  my  expectation 
that  our  personal  desires  will  be  fulfilled,  only  as  they 
are  cherished  in  subjection  to  that  high  and  holy  prin- 
ciple which  desires  no  will  but  His.  Yet  we  abide  by 
this  holy  principle  when  we  regard  the  exhortation  of 
his  word.  '  Is  any  among  you  afflicted  1  let  him  pray. 
Is  any  sick  among  you  ?  let  him  call  for  the  elders  of 
the  church  :  and  let  them  pray  over  him,  and  the  prayer 
of  faith  shall  save  the  sick,  and  the  Lord  shall  raise  him 
up,  and  if  he  have  committed  sins,  they  shall  be  forgiven 
him.' 

"  My  dear  brother  knows  that  it  would,  in  the  highest 
degree,  gratify  his  friends  here,  to  have  him  with  them 
under  the  circumstances  of  his  situation.  We  all  parti- 
cipate in  the  grief  consequent  upon  this  impossibility, 
and  at  the  same  time  we  are  thankful  that  you  are  so 
pleasantly  and  happily  situated  in  the  family  of  our 
dearly  beloved  friends. 

"  In  regard  to  your  kind  physicians,  they  know  that 
the  disease  to  which  you  have  been  subject,  is  the 
source  of  extreme  debility  —  the  result  we  cannot  tell. 
It  may  be,  my  brother,  for  your  release  from  earth,  to 
dwell  with  the  Lord,  and  be  with  your  Saviour  above  ; 


JAMES    ERAINERD    TAYLOR.  359 

or  it  may  be  for  your  further  trial  before  yeu  pass  into 
the  paradise  of  God  ;  or  a  preparation  for  greater 
usefulness  through  suffering.  The  Lord  will  do  all 
things  well,  and  caused  this  affliction  to  be  not  in  vain 
for  your  spiritual  good ;  and  I  hope  so,  also,  for  your 
friends  and  relations  that  are  so  far  from  you. 

"  Brother  Brewster  is  often  inquiring  of  you,  and 
remembers  you  with  the  deepest  interest.  Our  tears 
and  our  sorrows  are  one ;  I  wish  I  could  add,  so  also 
our  joys. 

"  I  shall,  I  trust,  say  from  my  heart,  in  any  event  of 
Providence,  concerning  you,  the  Lord  hath  done  all 
things  well.  I  thank  him  for  making  me,  in  any 
measure,  the  promoter  of  his  glory  through  your  in- 
strumentality. I  rejoice  in  the  privilege  which  I  have 
had  of  administering  to  your  necessities,  for  the  Master's 
sake,  and  also  from  our  happy  natural  relation.  I  shall 
rejoice  furthermore,  in  all  further  appropriations,  which  it 
may  be  my  privilege  to  make  for  your  relief.  You  will 
not  look  back  on  the  past  with  regret,  as  it  regards  what 
may  have  been  devoted  in  your  behalf,  —  no,  not  in  the 
least.  May  we  have  reason  to  rejoice  over  it  all  as 
connected  with  the  glory  of  our  Redeemer  at  the  north, 
and  the  south,  the  east,  and  the  west. 

"  I.  expected  brother  Fitch  would  have  been  here  this 
morning  to  have  gone  to-day  for  Prince  Edward.  The 
travelling  is  exceedingly  bad  and  dangerous.  I  think  he 
will  be  here  by  to-morrow, however,  and  will  leave  at  once 


360  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

to  proceed  south,  in  the  hope  of  aiding  our  kind  friends 
in  attendance  upon  you.  The  Lord  will  overrule  these 
dealings  of  his  hand  to  his  glory,  and  make  our  souls  to 
be  benefited. 

"I  notice  the  conclusion  of  your  letter,  and  your  fears 
of  inability  to  dictate  another.  I  dwell  on  the  sentence 
and  know  not  what  more  to  say,  than  as  before,  *  Thy 
will  be  done.'    I  would  not  say  less — I  cannot  say  more. 

"  We  each  have  been  spared,  and  raised  from  the 
borders  of  the  grave.  If  our  days  have  been  subse- 
quently devoted  to  God,  we  should  rejoice.  The  time 
must  come,  yea  will  come,  when  we  shall  have  to  ren- 
der up  our  spirits  into  the  hands  of  God  who  gave  them, 
and  then  may  we  find  our  happy  portion  to  be  that  of  the 
servants  of  the  Lord,  whom  he  hath  made  white  in  the 
blood  of  remission. 

"  We  talk,  at  home,  about  you,  and  raise  our  united 
cry  to  the  Father  of  Spirits  that  he  would  be  '  all  and  in 
all'  to  you,  in  your  time  of  need. 

"  W  ith  great  affection,  and  feelings  of  concern  and 
solicitude,  "  Your  brother, 

"  K." 

**  Union  Seminary,  24th  Feb.,  1829. 
»'  Dear  Friend : 

"  I  feel  that  I  ought  to  let  you  hear  from  us  by 
every  mail,  but  it  is  not  easy  to  give  you  any  just  idea 
of  the  changes  which  take  place  in  your  brother's  health, 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  361 

or  rather  his  disease.  He  has  lost  a  great  deal  of  flesh 
in  the  last  fortnight,  and  had  gradually  become  much 
weaker  until  last  Saturday.  After  that  day,  he  seemed 
to  rally  a  little,  and  has  not  complained  so  much  as  be- 
fore of  that  sinking  which  feels  like  death. 

"  This  evening,  however,  he  has  had  a  turn  of  great 
debility ;  but  his  spirits  are  certainly  better  than  they 
were.  Yet,  he  does  wish  to  see  some  of  his  relations 
very  much  —  you  more  than  any  one  else.  But  he  is 
not  disposed  to  make  any  unreasonable  requests,  and 
doubts  much,  whether  your  business  will  admit  of  your 
leaving  home.  You  of  course  will  judge  better  than 
any  of  us  can. 

**  Mr.  T.'s  religious  exercises  continue  very  comfort- 
able. I  think  I  may  say  they  are  joyful.  On  the  whole, 
he  perhaps  has  more  enjoyment  than  any  of  us.  He 
indeed  is  dealt  with  very  graciously. 

"  This  is  the  third  mail,  and  no  letters  from  you,  or 
any  relation.  This  is  a  great  disappointment.  Every 
post- day,  Mr.  Taylor  is  anxious  for  the  arrival  of  the 
stage,  in  hopes  he  may  hear  from  parents,  brothers,  and 
sisters.  I  could  wish  he  might  get  a  letter  from  some 
relation  every  mail. 

♦*  Mrs.  Rice  joins  with  me  in  love  to  you  and  yours. 
*'  I  am,  most  affectionately,  &c., 

"John  H.  Rice.'' 


31 


362  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 

February  27,  1829. 

*'  This  is  the  evening  to  write  to  our  dear  Mr.  Tay- 
lor's friends,  and  Mr.  Rice  could  hardly  vary  much  from 
his  last  communication. 

*'  Mr.  Taylor's  weakness  is  perhaps  as  great,  but  he 
suffers  less  from  languor,  and  it  is  more  evident  that 
the  debihty  is  nervous  rather  than  a  failure  of  the  vital 
organs.  The  physicians  have  always  told  us,  that  it 
was  most  probable,  that  he  would  linger  long,  and  per- 
haps struggle  through  the  process  of  the  disease,  and 
recover.  But  when  I  saw  him  daily  and  hourly  sink- 
ing and  suffering  so  much  from  such  distressing  debility, 
I  could  not  but  fear  his  strength  would  soon  be  gone ; 
and  that  he  would  very  soon  be  taken  from  us.  But 
now  our  friend  and  I  too,  have  become  convinced  that 
the  debility  is  nervous,  and  not  as  immediately  danger- 
ous. He  says  he  does  not  wish  that  any  of  you  should 
put  yourselves  to  great  inconvenience  to  come  to  him  ; 
that  he  does  not  by  any  means  desire  it ;  yet  I  have 
never  known  any  one  who  seemed  to  love  his  relatives 
more,  or  to  desire  more  to  be  with  them.  As  to  reliev- 
ing us,  dear  friend,  I  can  assure  you  we  feel  it  a  privi- 
ledge  to  have  him  here ;  and  delight  to  do  any  thing 
that  can  be  for  his  comfort. 

"  Our  beloved  brother  has  not  left  his  room,  or  dressed 
himself  for  two  or  three  weeks.  His  fiesh  is  wasted 
away,  until  he  is  nearly  as  thin  as  he  can  be  ;  and  as 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  363 

weak  almost  as  an  infant.  About  eight  o'clock  at  night 
he  is  well  rubbed ;  his  flannel  gown  and  night  cap  put 
on,  and  he  is  put  to  bed  ;  where  he  is  often  kept  awake 
for  several  hours  by  his  cough,  and  worn  down  with 
fatigue  before  his  lungs  are  sufficiently  relieved  to  per- 
mit him  to  sleep.  We  are  now  trying  small  blisters, 
about  the  size  of  a  dollar,  often  repeated  about  his 
breast,  which  seem  to  give  some  relief.  He  takes  every 
night  and  morning  a  small  pill  of  hemlock,  which  his 
pulse  would  not  bear  until  a  short  time  past ;  besides 
this,  he  takes  jjbout  a  half  grain  of  calomel  twice  a 
week.  The  porter  he  uses  daily,  and  with  lime  water 
it  agrees  very  well  with  him.  One  of  the  students  of 
the  Seminary  sleeps  in  a  bed  near  him,  to  attend  to  him 
in  the  night.  About  nine  in  the  morning,  he  is  again 
rubbed  as  at  night ;  this  he  thinks  of  great  benefit  to 
him.  His  stockings,  vest,  and  calico  gown,  are  then 
put  on  him,  which  often  reminds  him  of  his  sister  Eliza's 
care.  He  says  she  had  no  idea  of  the  comfort  this 
gown  would  be  to  him.  The  chest  of  medicines  is  also 
a  great  convenience ;  and  he  enjoys,  very  much  the 
little  comforts  she  prepared  for  him.  After  getting  to 
his  easy  chair,  washing,  taking  breakfast,  &c.  he  be- 
comes so  weary,  as  to  have  to  return  to  bed  ;  where  he 
lies  a  few  hours,  and  rises  to  his  chair  for  dinner.  But 
his  appetite  is  now  so  bad  that  we  can  seldom  find  any 
thing  pleasant.     Sometimes  he  thinks  of  some  dish  of 


364  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

his  dear  mother's,  and  I  am  delighted  to  hear  him  say  it 
tastes  as  when  she  prepares  it;  but  it  is  seldom  now 
that  he  thus  enjoys  any  thing.  To-day,  President 
Gushing,  whose  company  always  seems  to  revive  him, 
brought  over  a  small  electrical  machine,  and  he  thought 
for  the  time  the  effect  of  electricity  was  pleasant. 

"  Last  Saturday,  our  dear  Mr.  Taylor  seemed  to 
despair  of  seeing  his  beloved  relatives,  and  asked  me  to 
bring  his  trunk  near  his  bed.  He  wished  to  make  some 
arrangement  of  his  papers.  When  I  took  out  a  bundle 
which  he  directed,  he  burst  into  an  agony  of  grief. 
As  soon  as  he  was  able,  he  told  me  they  were  the  pre- 
parations he  had  made  for  preaching,  and  he  was  now 
about  to  seal  them  for  his  brother  Fitch ;  for  whom  he 
prayed  most  feelingly. 

"  My  brother,  Mr.  Morton,  came  that  evening,  and 
he  revived  very  much,  and  has  never  since,  I  think,  had 
so  distressing  a  sinking  turn.  The  next  day  he  told  me 
he  had  sweet  thoughts  of  all  his  friends  and  his  heart 
had  gone  out  in  prayer  for  all,  and  especially  for  his 
brother  F.  He  seems  to  long  that  he  may  do  the 
work  he  had  himself  hoped  to  do.  He  wishes  much  to 
see  him.  I  should  enjoy  highly  the  delight  it  would 
give  him  to  see  any  of  his  friends,  and  more  especially, 
our  dear  brother  Knowles.  He  seems  to  wish  so  much 
to  see  you  and  his  sister  Eliza,  that  I  asked  if  she  could 
not  come  with  you.     But  he  thinks  that  would  be  impos- 


JAMES    BRAIxVERD   TAYLOR.  366 

sible ;  as  she  is  devoted  to  her  children.  He  desired 
me  to  mention  that  he  received  a  letter  to-day  from 
you  and  his  brother  J.  and  begs  you  will  write  often  and 
let  his  father's  family  hear  from  him. 

"  I  am  ashamed  of  this  poor  scrawl,  but  I  have  written 
on  my  lap  by  Mr.  Taylor's  side ;  and  had  to  throw 
down  every  thing  and  rise  very  often  to  attend  to  his 
wants.  He  sends  much  love  to  you  all.  I  have  never 
seen  any  one  before  enjoy  uniformly  such  peace,  and 
joy,  and  triumph.  Oh,  may  I  imbibe  his  spirit,  which 
is  the  spirit  of  his  Master ! 

"  Mr.  Rice  most  affectionately  remembers  you  and 
yours,  and  unites  in  every  good  wish 

"  With  your  Affectionate  friend, 
"Anne  S.  Rice." 

"  We  had  scarcely  any  cold  weather  until  this  month. 
Mr.  T.  has  been  worse  ever  since.  We  hope  when 
the  weather  becomes  mild,  he  will  be  better." 

"  New-York,  February  28,  1829. 
"  My  Dear  Brother  James  : 

"  I  wrote  you  a  few  days  ago,  and  since  have  seen 
brother  F.  who  left  here  for  Prince  Edward  on  Friday 
morning.  I  hope  he  will  arrive  there  before  this  letter, 
expecting  that  he  will  take  the  Richmond  route,  in 
order  to  despatch  beyond  the  usual,  or  regular  line  from 
W^ashington. 

31* 


366  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"  I  suppose  we  shall  hear  further  of  you  by  the  next 
mail,  which  will  reach  here  on  Monday  morning.  I 
hope  we  may  receive  more  favourable  intelligence  than 
was  given  in  your  letter.  The  Lord  will  do  all  things 
right  and  mete  out  your  changes  for  you  as  shall  be  for 
your  and  our  good.  How  calming  is  the  truth,  that 
*  he  doeth  all  things  well.'  It  is  not  necessary  to  say 
our  feelings  of  interest  and  concern  for  you,  continue. 
We  hope  ever  to  manifest  our  regard  by  all  things  in 
which  we  can  serve  you.  If  the  Lord  will,  we  hope  yet 
that  we  may  administer  to  you  in  Bond-street.  What- 
ever may  be  his  will,  however,  may  we  in  faith  submit, 
knowing  that  if  he  spares  your  life,  it  will  be  for  you  to 
finish  your  work,  and  if  he  takes  you  away,  that  you 
may  enter  into  the  inheritance  of  the  saints. 

"  I  have  nothing  new  to  write.  Give  me  a  kind  re- 
membrance to  our  mutual  friends,  and  believe  me  your 
affectionate  brother." 

"  New- York,  March  2d,  1829. 
"  My  dear  Brother : 

"  I  wrote  you  last  week,  and  this  morning  have  to 
acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  letter  from  Dr.  Rice,  of 
the  24th  February.  I  am  in  hopes  that  brother  F.  will 
be  in  Prince  Edward  to-morrow  or  next  day,  and  by 
that  time  I  hope  you  will  have  been  favoured  with  greater 
strength,  and  blessed  of  God  with  renewed  blessing 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  367 

upon  the  measures  adapted  for  your  relief.  I  should  be 
glad  to  take  my  way  southward,  and  mingle  with  you 
and  other  friends  at  Prince  Edward  for  a  time ;  and  if  the 
Lord  continues  your  life,  and  allows  me  opportunity,!  de- 
sign to  enjoy  this  anticipated  pleasure,  when  the  weather 
shall  be  so  mild  as  to  permit  you  to  come  homeward. 
Here,  prayer  is  offered  up  for  you  by  your  many  friends. 
The  Lord  will  answer  us  as  shall  redound  to  your  best 
good  and  his  glory.  They  desire  your  continuance  in 
the  world  for  his  glory,  while  they  would  unfeignedly  say 
the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.  Whatever  may  be  the 
result  of  your  present  illness,  I  hope  we  all  here  may 
have  found  a  blessing  to  us  through  your  suffering,  as 
quickening  us  in  prayer,  faith,  hope,  and  love,  and  with 
humble  submission.  Mr.  Bruen  remembered  you  with 
deep  interest  in  our  little  lecture-room  last  evening,  and 
your  labours  there  and  elsewhere,  that  the  seed  sown 
may  spring  up  and  bear  fruit  to  the  praise  and  glory  of 
the  Lord  our  God. 

"I  know  that  you  would  feel  gratified  to  have  me  come 
to  Prince  Edward,  if  the  Lord  will.  I  have  deemed  it 
best  to  send  F.,  as  he  can  remain  with  you,  without  the 
least  difficulty. 

"  3d.  It  was  my  hope  to  hear  from  F.  this  morning, 
as  having  reached  Baltimore.  To-morrow  morning  I 
may  hear  of  him  as  having  reached  Washington. 

"  I  have  written  to  Middle-Hadam,  and  informed 
them  of  your  situation. 


368  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

**  We  greatly  hope  to  hear  more  favourably  from  you 
by  the  next  intelligence." 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
"  3d  March,  1829. 
"  My  Dear  Christian  Friend : 

"  On  my  sick  and  probably  dying  bed,  I  frequently 
think  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  D.  Your  letter  which  gave  me 
pleasure,  came  to  hand  in  due  time.  In  answering  it, 
instead  of  employing  my  own  hand,  I  am  under  the 
uecessity  of  writing  by  the  hand  of  another. 

"  For  weeks  past,  I  have  been  sinking  rapidly.  I  am 
now  almost  helpless  and  worn  out,  and  unless  there  be 
a  change  of  present  tendencies  of  disease,  in  the  course 
of  tbings,  this  '  mud- walled  cottage*  will  soon  fall.  I 
mention  this,  to  show  dear  brother  D.  that  if  he  ever 
see  me  in  the  flesh,  it  must  probably  be  very  soon. 

"  One  of  my  brothers  is  now  on  his  way  to  me  to  be 
a  comfort,  with  my  other  friends,  in  these  days  of  de- 
cline. You  may  rejoice  with  me  in  that  I  rejoice  in  the 
Lord  always.  The  prospect  of  changing  worlds  is 
pleasant.  The  home  of  the  holy  is  inviting.  Farewell. 
With  much  love  to  Mr.  D., 

"I  am,  etc., 

"J.  B.  Taylor." 

The  preceding  letter  was  dictated  by  Mr.  Taylor 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  369 

to  his  kind  amanuensis,  Mrs.  R.,  and  he  affixed  to  it 
the  last  signature  ever  traced  by  his  now  trembling  hand. 

"  Union  Seminary,  3d  Nov.,  1829. 

"  Dear  Friend : 

"  Mrs.  Rice  wrote  you  by  last  mail ;  and  we  do 
intend  to  let  you  hear  from  us  by  every  post. 

"  On  Saturday,  after  the  letter  was  sent  to  the  Post- 
Office,  our  beloved  friend  sunk  very  much.  We  began 
to  fear  that  his  end  was  very  near ;  and  one  of  his  phy- 
sicians, whose  judgement  very  rarely  fails,  seemed  to 
be  alarmed.  Perhaps  the  sinking  was  somewhat  ner- 
vous. He  certainly  rallied  a  little  after  that ;  and  there 
is  more  prospect  at  present  of  his  living  some  time. 
The  doctors  say  that  he  may  even  yet  get  well ;  but 
that  they  should  not  be  surprised  at  his  departure  at  any 
time. 

**  His  primary  disease  assuredly  was  not  cured  when 
he  came  to  us.  But  it  is  not  that  which  is  wasting  him 
away,  by  its  direct  influence.  When  he  came  here,  his 
lungs  were  straitened  by  a  lessening  of  the  cavity  of 
the  breast;  and  they  were  irritated  by  the  pressure. 
This  irritation  has  increased,  and  for  some  time  past  has 
produced  a  daily  fever;  and  it  is  this  which  has  worn 
him  to  a  skeleton.  In  addition,  he  coughs  much,  and 
is  greatly  interrupted  in  his  rest.  How  all  will  turn,  no 
one  knows.  He  very  much  expects  to  die.  But  though 
his  '  outward  man  perish,  his  inward  man  is  renewed, 


370  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY   OP 

day  by  day.*  I  do  not  think  that  I  ever  saw  one  more 
ripe  for  heaven;  —  very  (ew  more  willing  to  go.  His 
consolations  abound. 

"A  s  for  your  kind  solicitude  for  Mrs.  Rice,  she  has  be- 
come so  attached  to  your  brother,  and  finds  his  conversa- 
tion so  profitable,  that  she  esteems  it  a  privilege  to  attend 
him.  And  he,  in  turn,  is  so  attached  to  her,  that  it  would 
break  his  heart — as  he  says,  for  her  to  relinquish  the  place 
to  any  body  but  his  mother  or  sister.  My  beloved  friend, 
do  not  talk  of  trouble  any  more.  We  are  troubled  only 
because  we  see  one  sinking,  whom  we  wished  to  see 
standing  up  for  Christ.  But  if  he  must  go,  the  Lord's 
will  be  done.  He  may  be  called  for  on  some  higher 
service,  than  even  that  of  a  minister  of  the  Gospel. 

"  I  am  very  glad  that  your  brother  Fitch  is  coming. 
Should  James  die,  he  will  be  able  to  tell  his  parents  and 
other  relatives  all  about  his  situation  and  exercises,  his 
peace  of  mind,  and  joyful  submission ;  the  extent  to 
which  we  loved  him,  and  a  thousand  other  things,  which 
parents  and  brothers  and  sisters  will  be  glad  to  hear. 

"Your  letter,  with  its  enclosures,  was  received  by 
last  mail.  His  brother's  letter,  and  the  information  that 
F.  is  coming,  produced  great  excitement ;  but  it  did  no 
harm.     On  the  whole,  was  very  reviving. 

"  Meaning  to  let  you  hear  again  by  Saturday's  mail, 
I  now  subscribe, 

"With  great  love,  &c., 

"  John  H.  Rice." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  371 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
"6th  March,  1829. 

"  My  dear  Friend  : 

"  I  hardly  know  what  to  say  to  you  about  our  be- 
loved James.  You  probably  have  no  idea  how  low  he 
is.  His  weakness  is  extreme  —  but  I  cannot  say  that 
it  has  increased  much  since  I  wrote  last.  He  is  put  out 
of  breath,  and  quite  exhausted  by  being  lifted  from  the 
bed  to  the  easy  chair  ;  and  often  he  appears  to  have  no 
more  strength  to  hold  up  his  head  than  an  infant. 

"  Your  brother  F.  has  not  yet  arrived.  He  lost  by 
taking  the  Richmond  route,  and  no  doubt  has  had  a 
worse  road  than  if  he  had  come  directly  from  Fred- 
ericksburg. We  have  been  exceedingly  anxious  that  he 
should  arrive ;  for  you  know  that  when  one  is  as  low  as 
James,  he  may  die  at  any  time.  A  lamp  just  glimmer- 
ing in  the  socket  may  be  put  out  by  the  least  possible 
motion.  And,  poor  fellow,  he  has  been  so  very  desirous 
to  see  some  of  his  relations,  that  we  could  not  help  feel- 
ing with  him,  and  for  him  very  strongly.  He  received 
two  letters  to-day  from  you,  dated  26th  and  28th  Feb- 
ruary ;  one  from  Jeremiah,  one  from  your  sister  Erne- 
line,  and  one  from  brother  Ludlow.  These  tokens  of 
love  seemed  greatly  to  refresh  his  spirit,  and  I  do  hope 
he  will  receive  them  by  every  mail  as  long  as  he  lives. 

"  The  physicians  have  expressed  no  change  of  their 
opinion  yet.  They  say,  as  when  I  wrote  last,  that  he 
may  die  or  he  may  linger  long,  and  even  yet  recover. 


372  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

"  I  think  that  he  has  had  less  fever  for  the  last  two 
days,  and  of  course  less  distress  in  his  lungs,  than  he 
had  suffered  during  the  preceding  week.  Yesterday 
he  appeared  to  have  a  little  relish  for  food.  But  his 
appetite  is  very  bad. 

"  His  religious  exercises  continue  in  the  highest  de- 
gree comfortable.  Not  a  cloud  seems  to  pass  over  the 
bright  scene,  which  continually  lies  open  before  him. 
All  in  his  soul  is  light.  Great  is  his  peace.  But  yet,  if 
permitted,  he  would  love  to  live  and  preach  Christ  to 
perishing  sinners. 

**  The  terrible  weather  you  have  had  at  the  North, 
has  affected  us.  It  has  been  cold  and  stormy.  Yet 
Mr.  Taylor's  room  is  so  warm  and  sunny,  that  we  find 
no  difficulty  in  keeping  the  thermometer  at  about  66°. 
But  to  do  this,  we  have  frequently  to  raise  the  windows 
for  the  purpose  of  reducing  the  temperature. 

"  I  shall  let  you  hear  by  next  mail,  but  it  is  all  uncer- 
tain what  tidings  will  be  communicated.  ♦  The  will  of 
the  Lord  be  done.' 

**  Give  my  love  to  your  wife  —  mention  me  to  friends 
—  and  be  assured  of  my  entire  fraternal  affection. 
"  Yours,  most  truly, 

"John  H.  Rice." 


james  brainerd  taylor.  373 

From  Mr.  F.  W.  Taylor. 

"  Prince  Edward,  Thursday, 

"10th  March,  1829. 

**  My  dear  Brother : 

"  I  am  sure  you  are  waiting  with  anxiety  to  hear 
of  my  arrival  at  Prince  Edward,  and  of  the  state  of 
James'  heaUh. 

'  "  I  thank  God  that  I  have  reached  this  place  at  length, 
after  an  anxiety  which  I  will  not  no  w  dwell  upon,  but  which 
your  own  feelings  will  assist  you  in  imagining  when  you 
know  of  my  continued  delay.  It  was  yesterday,  at  ten 
o'clock,  A.  M.,  I  arrived —  ten  days  after  leaving  you. 
But  it  is  enough  that  I  am  here,  and  have  embraced  my 
dear  brother,  and  mingled  my  tears  with  his. 

**  I  found  James,  as  the  letters  which  you  had  received 
represented  him,  extremely  debihtated.  Perhaps  he 
could  not  now  support  his  own  weight  for  three  minutes. 

"  It  is  unnecessary  to  speak  of  our  meeting.  We 
rested  in  each  other's  arms  until  friends  separated  us, 
and  before  all  oUr  tears  were  spent.  To  afford  a  brother 
mider  such  circumstances  as  much  happiness  again 
would  amply  repay  me  for  years  of  suffeiing ;  and  it  can 
only  be  similar  circumstances  that  can  yield  me  another 
such  emotion  of  mingled  sorrow  and  joy.  I  had  thought 
it  possible  in  my  great  detention,  that  I  might  not  meet 
James  alive.  How  I  should  have  heard  at  the  door  the 
intelligence  of  his  death,  God  only  knows.  Instead  of 
32 


374  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

completely  prostrating  him,  our  meeting  seemed  to  yield 
new  light  to  every  feature  of  his  face,  and  strength  to 
his  body.  This  morning  he  is  still  better.  He  has 
gone  through  the  fatigues  of  dressing  and  shaving  with 
less  inconvenience  than  for  days  previously.  And  be- 
sides, to-day  he  sat  in  the  arm  chair,  on  the  portico  for 
nearly  three  hours.  It  has  been  a  charming  day,  and 
he  seems  to  have  enjoyed  it.  Of  course,  I  endeavour- 
ed to  render  the  moments  as  cheerful,  by  passing 
remarks,  as  the  occasion  would  permit.  While  in  his 
seat  on  the  portico,  he  seemed  to  catch  the  spirit  of  the 
smiling  scene  without,  and  remarked  with  some  humour, 
as  he  saw  some  calves  capering  through  the  yard,  that 
*  here,  they  kept  the  calves  tied  up  that  the  cows  might 
come  home.'  And  at  another  time,  he  said  '  he  knew 
not  what  all  this  meant,'  alluding  to  his  increased  strength, 
and  perhaps  he  might  yet  be  able,  he  said,  to  start  for 
home.  Would  that  these  may  not  be  deceptive  en- 
couragers  of  our  hopes.  But  some  days  must  pass 
before  we  can  interpret  the  language  before  us.  My 
own  impression  is,  that  he  will  continue  some  time.  I 
should  not  be  surprised  should  he  comparatively^  be  re- 
stored. Nor  would  it  be  a  matter  of  surprise  should  a 
change  for  the  worse  occur.  This  is  all  I  need  specify 
as  to  his  health  in  this  letter.  I  shall  write  you  by  the 
next  mail. 

*'  Could  I  say  any  thing  that  would  raise  Mrs.  R.  in 
your  estimation  and  kind  regard,  I  would  gladly  fill  this 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  375 

paper.  She  is  beyond  praise.  Do  you  know  how 
kindly  your  own  mother  would  administer  to  your  relief 
and  lay  out  her  strength  to  make  you  happy  ?  So  kindly 
and  so  tenderly  has  Mrs.  Rice  administered  to  James, 
and  laid  out  her  strength  to  console  and  relieve  him. 
He  speaks  of  the  kindness  of  all  with  tears  in  his  eyes, 
and  freely  do  I  weep  while  recording  it.  *  How  kind,' 
said  he,  *  they  are  to  me.  I  am  glad  you  have  come, 
that  you  may  see  how  kind  they  are.' 

"  Mrs.  G.  is  also  here.  James  speaks  very  kindly 
of  her  affectionate  endeavours  to  serve  him.  The 
doctor  is  well,  and  I  believe  he  is  all  you  have  told  me. 

"  I  wrote  you  from  Alexandria.  You  may  have  felt 
almost  a  disposition  to  chide  me  for  not  writing  again 
before  my  reaching  Prince  Edward.  But  I  thought  your 
suspense  would  be  more  supportable  than  the  intelli- 
gence that  I  was  further  detained  on  my  way  would  be. 

"  I  saw  your  very  kind  friend  in  Richmond.  He  did 
all  in  his  power  to  facilitate  my  arrival  here,  and  the 
mail  was  dispatched  an  hour  sooner  through  his  influ- 
ence and  the  representation  of  my  circumstances,  and 
by  means  of  it  I  intercepted  the  stage  I  had  left  at 
Fredericksburg  by  a  half  hour.  His  attentions  were 
gentlemanly,  and  I  was  gratified  by  dining  at  his  house 
on  Saturday.  He  sent  by  me  a  box  of  Madeira  grapes, 
etc.,  to  James,  which,  with  some  I  had  purchased  in 
Baltimore,  prove  very  agreeable  to  him. 

"  As  1  have  not  time  to  write  another  letter  this  even- 


376  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OP 

ing,  you  will  be  good  enough  to  forward  this  to  Middle- 
Haddam,  or  write  on  its  reception.     Emma's  letter  was 
received.     With  much  love  from  James  to  you  all, 
"  Yours,  ever  affectionately, 

"F.  W.  T.^' 

From  F.  ^.  T. 

"Friday,  March  13th,  1829, 

"  Dear  Brother : 

"I  wrote  you  on  Tuesday  last,  and  stated  what 
were  my  impressions  with  regard  to  James'  health.  You 
will  still  be  anxious  to  hear  of  him. 

"  Yesterday  he  seemed  more  unwell,  and  a  good  deal 
sunken  in  his  animal  spirits.  I  was  told  that  he  had 
been  as  low,  and  as  much  depressed.  He  rested  better 
than  usual,  however,  last  night.  To-day  he  is  more 
cheerful,  and  coughs  less.  His  pulse  still  runs  madly, 
though  its  gushes  are  feeble.  His  fever  was  less  last 
night  and  to-day,  than  for  two  preceding  days.  He  has 
had  a  very  comfortable  day  for  him,  in  comparison  with 
some  which  are  passed.  And  yet,  I  know  not  that  his 
situation,  as  to  permanent  relief,  can  be  considered  as 
any  more  encouraging.  Indeed,  I  can  form  no  com- 
parisons in  his  prospects  of  recovery  until  some  days 
shall  have  passed.  I  hope  for  the  bes.t.  But  when  I 
perceive  how  perfectly  exhausted  he  becomes  by  being 
raised  in  the  bed,  or  in  being  moved  to  his  chair,  I  am 
exceedingly  fearful  that  he  cannot  remain  with  us  long. 


JAMES   BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  377 

"  There  remains  no  longer  any  doubt  to  me  that  his 
lungs  are  affected.  The  cause  of  this  may  have  origi- 
nated in  the  affection  of  the  spine.  The  latter  com- 
plaint is  palpable.  That  of  the  lungs  I  infer  from  the 
quantity  he  expectorates.  His  spinal  complaint  has 
thrown  his  chest  somewhat  into  an  unnatural  position ; 
and  I  suppose  the  effect  of  this  is,  to  lessen  consider- 
ably the  cavity  of  the  chest,  thus  diminishing  the  natural 
expansion  of  the  lungs.  This,  of  itself,  is  enough  to 
endanger  the  life  of  a  being  dependent  upon  the  supply 
of  his  quantity  of  oxygen  from  the  air,  but  added  to  the 
positive  irritation  which  it  constantly  creates  to  the  lungs, 
and  to  the  certainty  of  their  being  affected,  as  I  deem  to 
be  the  case,  it  all  argues  but  little  for  the  recovery  of  our 
dear  brother.  Possiblyhemay  linger  for  months.  And 
there  may  be,  as  I  said  in  my  last,  a  fatal  change  but  a 
little  way  off.  Perhaps  some  hope  hangs  upon  the 
weather.  Should  it  be  mild  until  the  season  for  warmer 
days,  it  is  thought,  he  may  yet  recruit  not  a  little.  God 
only  knows  whither  shall  lead,  what  now  seem  the  dark- 
footsteps  of  his  providence. 

"  I  shall  continue  to  write  every  mail.  I  have  just 
asked  James  how  much  better  1  shall  tell  you  that  he  is. 
He  replied,  '  more  comfortable,  but  very  weak.* 

"  When  in  Baltimore,  I  purchased  some  of  the  finest 

sweet  oranges  I  have  ever  seen.     James  has  lived  upon 

them  and  grapes,  since  I  arrived.     Indeed,  he  eats  very 

little,  although  enticed  by  a  thousand  varieties.     His 

32* 


378  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

friends  have  procured  for  him  every  thing  within  their 
reach.  But  perfectly  sweet  oranges  cannot  be  obtained 
here,  although  there  are  a  plenty  of  tart  ones.  Could 
you  procure,  in  New-York,  some  sweet,  very  siceei 
oranges,  perhaps  you  would  do  well  to  send  them  by  the 
way  of  Petersburg,  or  any  other  way  you  may  think  best. 
I  have  sent  to  Richmond  to-day  for  some,  if  they  can 
be  obtained  there.  Let  a  paper  or  two  of  barley  be 
added  to  any  thing  else  that  may  be  of  use  to  a  conval- 
escent, should  you  send.  This,  says  James,  *  will  be 
of  benefit  to  me,  if  I  recover ;  if  not,  why,  it  will  answer 
for  some  one  else.' 

"  Your  letters  to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Rice,  were  received 
this  morning.  Mrs.  R.  has  just  said  to  me,  give  my 
thanks  to  your  brother  for  his  letter,  and  tell  him  we  shall 
be  very  glad  to  see  him. 

"  Dr.  Wilson  has  just  come  in.  Perhaps  I  will  ques- 
tion him,  after  he  shall  have  left  the  room,  and  add  at 
the  foot. 

"P.  S.  At  tea  this  evening,  I  asked  Dr.  W.  if  he 
found  my  brother  any  better?  He  replied  that  he  knew 
not  that  he  was. 

"  Saturday  morning.  I  have  not  time  to  reperuse  the 
above,  before  the  mail  closes. 

"  In  haste,  and  affectionately, 


james  brainerd  taylor.  379 

From  Dr.  Rice. 

"Union  Seminary,  13th  March,  1829. 

"  My  dear  Brother : 

"  Mrs.  Rice  and  I  both  received  a  letter  from  you 
by  this  mail ;  for  which  we  thank  you. 

»*  Your  brother  F.  has  written,  but  I  feel  that  I  wish 
to  say  something  to  you  too.  The  most  interesting  sub- 
ject is,  the  state  of  your  brother's  health.  I  wish  that  1 
had  good  news  to  send.  But  there  is  none,  on  this 
matter.  James  is  indeed  better  to-night,  than  he  was 
last  night.  But  there  is,  assuredly,  no  material  amend- 
ment. My  old  friend  doctor  Wilson,  however,  is  now 
in  his  room,  and  I  will  get  his  opinion  before  I  close  this 
letter.  The  doctor  seems  to  be  greatly  interested  for 
the  poor  sufferer,  and  seems  to  be  very  anxious  that  he 
should  recover.  Indeed,  we  have  never  yet  had  a  per- 
son in  our  neighbourhood,  who  excited  a  more  general 
sympathy,  or  for  whose  recovery  more  earnest  desires 
were  felt  by  the  whole  community.  The  neighbours 
seem  willing  to  do  any  thing  for  him.  But  his  appetite 
is  so  delicate  and  squeamish,  that  we  find  it  extremely 
difficult  to  get  any  thing  which  he  can  eat.  I  mean, 
that  his  stomach  seems  to  loathe  any  thing  after  he  has 
eaten  of  it  once  or  twice. 

"  I  have  written  a  letter  to  Mr.  Peters,  which  I  sup- 
pose he  has   received  before  this  time.      That  letter 


380  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

was  merely  intended  to  express  my  views  to  the  Execu- 
tive Committee  of  the  A,  H.  M.  S.  To-day,  Dr. 
Green's  circular  came  to  hand  ;  but  I  have  not  yet  read 
it.  I  fear  that  this  matter  will  cause  great  disputes 
and  heartburnings  in  the  Presbyterian  Church.  It  is 
deplorable,  that  this  body  of  Christians  cannot  be  brought 
to  act  in  concert.  We  certainly  ought  to  do,  as  Dr. 
Ely  says,  more  to  build  up  the  cause  of  Christ,  than  any 
other  denomination  in  this  country  —  but  we  do  greatly 
fail.  What  can  be  the  reason  1  I  am  much  inclined 
to  believe  that  it  is  because  we  magnify  human  systems, 
and  pay  too  little  attention  to  the  Bible.  The  dry  or- 
thodoxy of  one  party,  and  the  speculations  of  another, 
are  made  more  of,  than  the  plain  facts  of  the  Sacred 
Scriptures.  I  am  indeed  thankful,  that  in  our  Seminary, 
the  Bible  is  the  text  book.  We  have  here  no  meta- 
physics—  no  text  books  of  human  authority.  But  as 
long  as  the  differences  of  opinion,  which  now  exist  in 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  are  made  a  rule  or  principle  by 
which  to  direct  missionary  operations,  we  shall  present 
divided  forces  to  the  enemy,  and  operate  with  weakened 
strength  on  the  interests  of  the  church.  The  Missionary 
cause  is  one  of  absorbing  interest  in  the  present  day  —  by 
it,  chiefly,  the  borders  of  the  Church  are  to  be  enlarged.  It 
is  the  favourite  interest  of  all  zealous  Christians.  But  it  is 
not  to  be  expected  that  Old  Calvinists  will  agree  to  send 
Hopkinsians  as  their  missionaries  ;  nor  will  Hopkinsiana 


MES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  381 


agree  to  support  a  society,  which  sends  out  only  Old  Cal- 
vinisls.  The  only  scheme  of  obtaining  the  co-operation 
of  all,  is  that  proposed  by  the  A.  H.  M.  S.,  or  something 
similar.  And  should  this  fail,  there  will  be  party  Mis- 
sionary Societies.  These  will  immensely  increase  the 
spirit  of  party  —  and  finally,  it  will  break  down  the 
Church. 

*'  The  weather  is  exceedingly  rough  and  cold  for  us. 

"  The  doctor  is  gone,  and  I  have  had  no  opportunity  of 
seeing  him.  I  believe,  however,  that  his  hopes  of  a  re- 
covery are  very  faint.  He  thinks  it  barely  possible.  I 
write  this,  knowing  that  it  will  pain  you ;  but  in  such 
cases,  it  is  best  to  be  frank  and  explicit.  May  the  Lord 
enable  us  all  to  say,  *  His  will  be  done.'  The  only  use 
your  presence  could  be  of  here,  would  be  giving  comfort, 
or  pleasure  rather,  to  your  brother.  We  indeed  should 
be  delighted  to  see  you  —  but  it  is  for  you  to  determine 
whether  it  is  your  duty  to  come  and  to  give  us  all  pleas- 
ure, or  to  stay  and  attend  to  your  matters  at  home. 

"  Mrs.  Rice  and  I  love  you  as  a  brother. 
*'  Yours,  truly, 

"  John  H.  Rice. 

"  F.  is  a  great  comfort  to  Mrs.  Rice,  as  well  as  to 
poor  James." 

"  Sunday,  15th  March,  1829. 
"  Dear  Brother : 

"  I  wrote  you  by  the  last  mail.     I  scarcely  remem- 
ber the  contents  of  the  letter,  further  than  a  statement 


382  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OP 

as  to  James'  health.  He  has  rested  during  the  day 
and  last  night  with  a  good  deal  of  ease  to  himself.  In 
further  conversation  with  Dr.  Wilson,  he  gave  but  little 
encouragement  for  the  indulgence  of  our  hopes  for  J.'s 
recovery.  He  thought  it  would  not  be  surprising  should 
he  be  taken  away  in  a  short  time  —  indeed,  at  any  mo- 
ment. And  yet  there  have  been  instances  of  persons 
recovering  and  living  for  years,  who  have  been  apparent- 
ly as  low  as  James.  The  impression  of  Dr.  W.  and 
Dr.  M.  is,  as  well  as  all  around,  (whose  opinions  I  sup- 
pose to  be  based  upon  those  of  the  doctor's)  that  James 
cannot  survive  many  days.  God  grant  that  he  may  yet 
recover.  But,  if  otherwise,  I  trust  that  He  will  give  us 
that  submission  to  his  will  which  shall  lead  us  to  praise 
him  still  for  his  goodness.  It  is  indeed  a  source  of  un- 
speakable consolation,  that  our  dear  brother  is  perfectly 
calm  in  these  hours  of  his  trial.  There  is  no  enthu- 
siasm, but  a  firm  and  unwavering  hope  in  the  God  of  our 
salvation.  This  is  as  it  should  be,  as  it  appears  to  me. 
To  one  of  the  expressions  in  my  last  he  objected,  as  he 
thought  it  might  convey  the  idea  of  religious  depression. 
This,  so  far  as  I  have  been  able  to  discover,  has  never 
been  his  experience.  One  contitlued  feeling  of  unfalt- 
ering confidence  sways  his  bosom,  although  his  heart 
may  at  times  sink  in  sadness,  under  his  extreme  debility, 
and  at  the  thought  of  meeting  no  more  on  earth,  the 
absent  members  of  the  family.  He  yet  has  faint  hopes 
of  recovery,  resulting  from  the  encouraging  expressions 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  383 

c»rhis  friends.  And  yet  he  seems  as  sensible  as  any  of 
us  of  the  very  critical  situation  he  is  in.  He  had  given 
several  directions  previous  to  my  arrival,  expecting  soon 
to  be  numbered  with  the  dead.  Among  other  wishes, 
he  had  expressed  the  desire  to  be  interred  in  the  burial 
ground  of  the  Morton  family,  there  to  rest  with  his 
friends.  It  is  there,  where  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Rice  believe 
they  shall  be  interred.  James  has  since  spoken  to  me 
upon  the  subject  of  his  burial.  I  endeavoured  to  waive 
the  subject.  But  he  insisted,  and  said  it  was  one  which 
did  not  pain  him.  When,  among  other  things,  he  had 
said  that  he  chose  to  lie  among  the  friends  who  had  been 
so  kind  to  him,  I  hinted  that  he  might  be  dis-interred 
and  conveyed  to  the  North.  *  As  it  shall  be  thought 
best,'  he  repeated. 

"  I  may  further  add,  before  I  seal  this.     For  a  mo- 
ment, farewell.  "  F. 

"P.  S.  by  Mrs.  R. 

"  No  one,  I  believe,  has  told  you  what  a  very  great 
comfort  dear  brother  F.  is  to  our  beloved  invalid,  and  to 
me.  His  coming  has  indeed  been  a  rich  blessing,  and 
for  several  days  seemed  to  suspend  the  decline  of  my 
precious  friend.  But  now  he  seems  again  to  me  to  be 
sinking  rapidly.  A  mother  could  hardly  miss  a  child 
from  her  bosom  more  than  I  shall  miss  him.  For  so 
many  months  he  has  been  my  precious  charge  !  I  have 
felt  it  an  honour  to  be  appointed  to  nurse  in  his  days  of 
decline  and  suffering,  so  lovely  and  dear  a  child  of  our 


384  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

heavenly  Father.  Many  I  know  would  have  esteemed 
it  a  privilege,  and  1  feel  that  I  have  been  distinguished 
in  its  being  granted  me.  He  expressed  a  longing  desire 
last  evening  to  go  to  his  rest,  and  wondered  why  he  was 
so  long  detained  here.  I  said,  perhaps  he  might  wait 
to  see  you.  Oh,  said  he,  I  shall  soon  see  him,  and 
other  dear  friends  whom  I  love !  He  never  seems  to 
have  a  cloud  intervening  between  his  soul  and  heaven, 
but  constant  peace  and  firm  faith  which  never  fails.  I 
do  not  think  that  he  can  be  with  us  long.  It  was  to 
my  brother,  Dr.  Morton,  to  whom  he  made  the  request 
about  his  burial.  My  brother  hves  with  my  father, 
where  my  family  all  lie. 

"With  a  heart  deeply  sympathizing,  —  for  your  sor- 
row is  mine  too,  —  I  am, 

"  Yours, 

"Anne  S.  Rice." 

"  March  17th. 
"  My  dear  Brother : 

"  I  drop  you  these  few  lines,  that  you  may  not  be 
disappointed  in  hearing  from  here  by  to-morrow's  mail. 
Yesterday  a  letter  was  sent  to  you  by  the  way  of  Farm- 
ville,  which  you  may  receive  one  or  two  days  sooner 
than  this.  James  seems  a  little  revived  this  evening. 
On  learning,  however,  a  few  moments  since,  that  I  de- 
signed to  write  you,  he  insisted  that  I  should  not  say  he 
was  any  better.     On  the  contrary,  he  thinks  himself 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  385 

failing.  Probably  he  is  not  deceived  in  his  estimate  of 
his  own  situation.  He  is  still  calm,  and  fixed  in  his 
meditations  on  his  future  prospects.  *  I  was  thinking/ 
said  he  to  me,  last  evening,  '  how  pleasant  it  would  be 
to  rest  these  limbs  and  this  body  peacefully  in  the  grave.' 
He  then  spoke  of  his  burial-place  without  emotion. 
Such  a  frame  of  mind  in  our  beloved  brother,  affords  me 
consolation  indeed,  and  is  that  which  alone  could  render 
my  present  situation  supportable. 

"F. 
"  I  received  your  letter  by  yesterday's  mail,  and  thank 
you  for  it. 

"  I  notice  your  hopes  and  expectations  about  dear 
James.  I  know  how  to  sympathize  with  you,  for  I 
educated  a  brother  for  the  ministry.  He  is  even  yet 
spared,  and  has  been  highly  useful.  But  he  feels  to  me 
almost  as  much  like  a  son  as  like  a  brother.  I  can 
easily  conceive  how  I  should  feel  if  he  were  lying  on  a 
bed  of  sickness,  to  all  human  appearance  incurably  dis- 
eased. This  is  your  dear  brother's  situation.  No  one, 
indeed,  can  know  —  I  therefore  say,  to  all  human  ap- 
pearance. 

"  I  knaw  that  there  is  efficacy  in  prayer,  but  if  James 
is  so  fitted  for  services  in  the  upper  Temple,  that  he 
can  d>)  more  service  there  than  here,  if  the  Master  has 
need  of  him,  for  something  higher  than  is  done  in  this 
world,  he  will  take  him.     This  is  the  probability,  and  it 


33 


386  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

is  our  part  to  submit.      May  you  have  much  of  that 
spirit. 

"  There  is  no  real  amendment  in  J.,  though  he  is  now 
somewhat  revived.     We  love  F.  very  much. 

"  1  am  truly,  your  friend  and  brother, 

"John  H.  Rice." 

"  Prince-Edward,  March  20. 

"I  take  a  pen  at  this  late  hour,  to  drop  you  a  few 
lines,  in  haste. 

"  Your  letter  of  the  thirteenth  instant  to  brother 
James,  was  received  this  A.  M.  I  have  written  you 
by  every  mail  since  I  arrived  at  Prince-Edward.  Would 
to  God  I  could  give  you  some  m.ore  favourable  intelli- 
gence with  regard  to  J.'s  health.  Present  indications 
lead  us  to  fear  that  he  will  not  survive  many  days.  He 
is  still  more  feeble.  And  to-day  he  has  not  risen  from 
his  bed.  Until  to-day  he  has  been  taken  from  his  bed 
at  least  once,  each  day,  since  I  reached  Prince-Ed- 
ward, It  may  be,  it  will  not  be  done  again,  until  it  be 
to  wind  him  in  his  shroud.  His  mind  is  still  calm  and 
collected.     But  he  speaks  with  great  difficulty. 


"  My  dear  friend  : 
"W^hen  I  annexed  a  note  to  your  brother's  last 
letter,  my  intention  was  to  prepare  you  for  what  I  ex- 
pected by  this  time  would  have  taken  place.     But  the 


JAMfcS    BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  387 

event  has  not  yet  occurred.  Omniscience  only  knows 
when  it  will.  We  expect  it  every  hour.  And  yet  it 
may  not  come  according  to  our  expectations  and  fears. 
ThH  doctor  called  to-day  and  seemed  very  much  struck 
with  the  rapid  decline  of  the  dear  sufferer  ;  but  said  he 
had  seen  persons  as  low  as  James  is,  recover.  This  I 
have  no  doubt  is  true.  It  is,  however,  as  one  to  a 
thousand. 

"  We  feel  great  difficulty  in  bringing  our  minds  to 
give  him  up;  but  he  often  seems  desirous  to  'depart 
and  be  with  Christ,  which  is  far  bet'ter.'  We  fully  be- 
lieve that  it  will  be  far  better  for  him.  It  may  be  far 
better  for  the  church.  I  do  hope  that  when  the  hea- 
venly chariot  shall  come  to  take  him  from  this  world  to 
his  home,  he  will  leave  his  mantle  behind.  And  I  have 
thought  that  one  so  qualified  to  be  useful,  may  be  em- 
ployed in  promoting  the  Redeemer's  kingdom  in  a 
higher  sphere. 

"  Whatever  comes,  may  you  have  all  needed  grace 
to  prepare  you  for  it,  and  help  you  through  it. 

"  Mrs.  Rice  and  I  write  in  love  to  you. 
"  Assuredly  your  brother, 

"J.  H.  Rice." 

The  following  letter  is  given  as  a  specimen  of  many 
letters  which  were  received  by  Mr.  Taylor  during  his 
last  illness.  They  came  from  the  heart  of  those  friends 
whomi  he  had  secured  by  his  intercourse,  and  who  loved 
him  with  no  ordinary  feelings  of  friendship. 


388  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY  OF 

To  J.  B.  T. 

"  New-York,  20th  March,  1829. 

"  My  beloved  brother  : 

"  Your  greatly  esteemed  favour  came  safely  to 
hand  in  due  course  of  mails,  and  it  should  have  recei- 
ved earlier  attention,  but  knowing  your  extreme  debility, 
I  felt  reluctant  to  trouble  you  with  so  feeble  a  commu- 
nication as  mine,  until  I  should  learn  that  your  health 
was  improving.  But  on  perusing  two  letters  yesterday, 
one  from  Dr.  J'ice,  the  other  from  brother  F.,  I  could 
no  longer  resist  the  desire  of  addressing  you,  whom  my 
soul  loveth  —  and  loveth  wiih  a  love  which  is  the  off- 
spring of  Christian  fellowship,  and  which  was  enkindled 
in  the  first  interview  which  I  was  permitted  to  have 
with  you,  my  dear  brother.  And  the  more  frequent 
these  interviews  have  occurred,  the  more  has  this  holy 
feeling  been  augmented.  I  would  say  this  for  your  en- 
couragement and  to  the  glory  of  my  dear  Redeemer. 
Those  sweet  interviews  in  the  wise  Providence  of  God, 
have  ceased  for  the  present.  Yet  blessed  be  his  holy 
name,  it  is  my  happy  privilege  to  adopt  the  language  of 
the  apostle,  and  feel  it  when  I  say,  *  Though  absent  in 
the  flesh,  yet  am  1  present  with  you  in  the  spirit.' 

"0,  how  my  heart  was  pained  on  learning  of  your 
extreme  debility,  and  your  great  desire  to  see  the  face 
of  your  kindred  in  the  flesh.  But  you  have  many 
sources  of  consolation  in  this  your  severe  trial.     For 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  389 

one  mo  Tent,  revert  back  to  the  days  which  have  gone 
by,  and  remember  how  God,  in  infinite  love,  has  met 
with  you,  and  filled  your  soul  with  holy  love  —  remember 
what  melting  seasons  he  has  granted  you,  which  com- 
pelled you  to  exclaim,  in  the  full  expression  of  your 
soul,  *  For  me  to  live,  is  Christ,  and  to  die,  is  gain.' 
Has  God  ceased  to  be  gracious?  No,  my  brother,  and 
he  never  will.  Rehearse  in  your  mind,  one  moment, 
the  number  of  souls  for  whom  God,  in  his  infinite  love, 
has  caused  you  to  be  the  happy  insti ument  of  secuiing 
a  foretaste  of  those  joys  v\hich  are  intxpiee>iLle,  and 
full  of  glory.  And  tell  me,  my  brother,  would  you  not 
willingly  suffer  again  all  which  you  have  sufTered,  to  be 
the  instrument  in  the  hands  of  God  of  bringing  one  soul 
to  glory  ?  I  think  I  hear  you  say,  '  0  yes.'  And  if 
thare  were  no  other  reason  for  your  suffering,  you  would 
add,  '  This  is  sufficient  —  it  is  the  good  pleasure  of  my 
heavenly  Father,  who  has  promised,  I  will  never  leave 
thee,  nor  forsake  thee,  and  that  his  grace  will  be  suffi- 
cient for  thee.  My  dear  brother,  it  falls  to  the  lot  of 
but  few  to  experience  so  much  holy  joy,  as  has  been  your 
privilege.  Have  you,  in  view  of  this,  felt  the  force  of 
the  declaration  of  Scripture,  '  It  is  not  by  power,  nor 
by  might,  but  by  my  Spirit,'  who  rnaketh  thee  to  differ? 
"  When  I  have  heard,  from  time  to  time,  of  your  situ- 
ation, the  desire  of  my  soul  has  been  to  be  with  you» 
that  I  might  do  something  to  contribute  to  your  happi- 
ness. But,  for  wise  reasons,  this  is  denied  me ;  and 
33* 


390  TRIBUTE   TO   THE   MEMORY    OF 

you  are  surrounded  by  dear  friends  wh®  suffer  with  you  ; 
and  among  tiiese,  and  not  least,  is  your  kind  nurse,  Mrs. 
R.  May  the  Lord  reward  her  a  thousand  told  in  this 
life,  and  in  the  world  to  come,  with  life  everlasting. 
This  she  is  sure  to  experience,  for  the  ever  blessed 
Jesus  hath  said,  '  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one 
of  the  least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto 
me.'  0  how  I  do  wish  I  could  be  with  you,  my  dear 
brother.  The  time  is  fast  approaching  when  1  shall  be, 
if  I  am  faithful.  While  my  soul  sympathizes  in  every 
thing  that  relates  to  you,  it  is  made  to  leap  for  joy  under 
the  full  assurance  that  all  things  shall  work  for  your 
good.  Blessed  assurance !  It  is  a  wise  Providence 
which  has  placed  you  where  you  are,  and  the  cir- 
cumstances in  which  you  are.  The  result  of  all  shall  be 
fully  made  known  to  you,  when  you  shall  be  brought, 
through  a  Saviour's  love,  into  the  realms  of  bliss,  where 
you  shall  join  the  angels,  and  the  glorified  spirits,  with 
praises  of  redeeming  love,  in  their  sweeter  and  more 
harmonious  note  than  mortal  ear  hath  heard. 

"  That  the  Lord  may  sustain  and  C(  m/br/ you,  my  be- 
loved brother,  is  the  humble  prayer  of  your  affectionate 
friend. 

"J.  B." 

"  Mrs.  B.'s  solicitude  for  you  is  great. 

"  March  25th,  1829. 
"  My  Dear  Brother : 

"  I  wrote  you  a  few  lines  yesterday,  and  avail  my- 


JAMES   BRAINERD   TAYLOR.  391 

self  of  a  little  leisure  to  write  you  again  this  mornin<T. 
I  enclose  a  letter  from  Mr.  Bruen,  which  you  will  dis- 
cover, partakes  largely  of  affection  and  interest  for  you. 
I  can  respond  and  say  with  him,  that  there  are  many 
friends  who  feci  for  you,  and  pray  that  you  may  have 
such  blessings  from  God  as  you  need,  under  the  deal- 
ings of  his  hand,  beside  your  immediate  relatives. 

*'  We  feel  anxious  to  hear  from  you  by  every  mail,  and 
pray  that  it  may  be  our  privilege  to  have  more  encourage- 
ment in  your  case,  with  hopes  of  your  return  to  dwell 
awhile  with  us.  We  would  feel  our  obligation  to  sub- 
mit to  the  dealings  of  the  Lord,  and  in  this  spirit  of  sub- 
mission, to  raise  the  voice  of  our  cry. 

*'  The  family  are  well,  and  often  speak  of  uncle  James. 
The  little  children  would  gladly  mitigate  your  sorrows, 
and  delight  to  render  service  in  what  they  could.  I  hope 
your  prayers  may  ascend  for  them,  that  they  may  be 
baptized  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  become  the  followers 
of  the  Lamb. 

"Our  friend  F.,  of  Richmond,  called  to  hear  of  you 
this  morning.     He  spoke  with  kindness  and  affection  in 
your  behalf.     So  also  our  friend  Micah  Baldwin. 
"  With  great  regard  and  sincere  affection, 

Upon  the  same  sheet  is  added  the  following  letter  to 
Dr.  Rice.  The  enclosed  letter  from  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Bruen,  follows.  But  the  preceding,  the  following,  Mr. 
Bruen's,  and  a  number  of  other  letters,  reached  Prince 
Edward  when  the  object  of  their  tender  messages  and 


392  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY    OF 

sympathy,  had  already  said  his  "  farewell  to  earth,"  and 
answered  to  the  call  of  his  beloved  Lord,  who  had  sum- 
moned him  to  the  "  Many  Mansions." 

"  March  25th,  1829. 

"  Dear  Friend  : 

"  I  received  your  letter  per  last  mail,  and  wait  with 
some  concern  and  anxiety  for  the  news  of  to-raorrow. 
I  sent  to  you  yesterday  hy  the  schooner  Tantivy,  Cap- 
tain Thorp,  for  Richmond,  a  small  box  containing  a  few 
oranges  —  some  barley  meal  prepared  for  use,  and  a 
phial  of  carbonate  of  potash,  &c. 

"  I  sent  this  box  to  Messrs.  F.  James  &  Co.,  with 
a  request  to  have  it  forwarded  forthwith,  and  I  suppose 
it  will  be  sent  to  you  by  the  stage.  If  it  should  come 
to  hand  in  time  for  the  use  of  the  articles  to  James,  they 
may  be  refreshing  to  him.  If  other  invalids  are  around 
you,  I  desire  they  may  participate  in  any  thing  I  have 
sent,  that  may  add  to  their  relief. 

"You  know  how  much  I  would  express  of  deep  inter- 
est and  desire,  concerning  my  beloved  brother.  I  feel 
the  admonition  to  be  still,  and  stay  myself  on  the  mighty 
God.  1  desire  submission  to  his  will,  and  a  readiness 
of  service  in  all  the  circumstances  of  my  life.  What  he 
lays  on  me  to  bear,  may  1  have  strength  equal  to  my  day, 
and  glorify  him  in  body,  soul  and  spirit.  In  great  love 
for  you  and  yours, 

"  Truly,  your  friend, 

"  K.  T." 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  393 

From  Mr.  Bruen. 

"  New- York,  March  24th,  1829. 

**  The  picture  of  yours,  my  dear  brother,  has  been 
vividly  present  to  the  little  company  of  your  friends  here 
—  and  we  have  thought  of  ourselves  lingering  like  you 
upon  the  threshold  of  eternity.  Ah  !  it  is  all  the  thresh- 
old of  eternity  —  and  to  believers,  it  is  even  now 
eternal  life.  This  is  the  record,  that  God  liath  given  to 
us  eternal  life  —  and  this  life  is  in  his  Son.  He  that 
hateth  the  Son  hateth  life.  We  have  endeavoured  to 
pray  for  you.  You  have  some  tender-hearted  friends  in 
our  little  church,  beside  your  dear  relatives,  and  are  to 
them,  while  you  breathe  here,  an  object  of  ceaseless 
sympathy,  and  while  they  breathe,  of  hope  and  love. 
When  I  have  been  standing  where  you  once  stood  to 
pray  and  preach,  to  my  little  charge,  your  image  has 
been  before  my  mind,  and  I  thank  God  and  take  courage 
for  the  support  you  have  as  yet  had,  for  your  calamities 
are  nearly  overpast,  while  ours  are  yet  to  begin.  May  the 
Chief  Shepherd  who  gave  his  life  for  yours,  fill  you  even 
now  with  joy  unspeakable.  In  this  season  of  calamity 
to  us,  I  know  not  how  to  write  to  you,  who  are  so  soon, 
perhaps,  to  know  the  certainty  of  the  things  in  which  the 
spirit  of  Christ  has  instructed  you  —  you  have  a  baptism 
for  all  that  you  are  to  accomplish. 

"  If  I  were  near  enough,  I  should  rather  sit  at  your 
feet  and  hear,  or  only  look.     I  cannot  say  a  word  to  you 


934  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY   OF  «£%* 

—  rather,  dear  brother,  I  would  ask  a  parting  prayer  for 
me.  1  know  that  the  thought  of  our  love  is  pleasant  to 
you,  among  earthly  things,  if  the  bright  view  of  the 
Redeemer  does  not  bedim  all  that  is  created.  I  shall 
always  cherish  ihe  feeling  of  love  to  you,  knowing  that 
it  will  better  prepare  me  to  finish  my  work  and  to  meet 
the  Son  of  man,  ivho  halli  j)ower  on  earth  to  forgive 
sins.  Here  is  our  consolation  —  sins  like  crimso  n  and 
scarlet  may  be  forgiven  — even  we  may  walk  in  white ! 

"  Until  my  hope  of  your  surviving  this  severe  dispen- 
sation is  absolutely  destroyed  by  the  arrival  of  your  great 
change,  I  look  for  something  encouraging,  as  your  days 
are  prolonged  ;  but  we  hope  fiintly.  Into  the  care  of 
our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  we  cheerfully  com- 
mit you.  He  loves  you  better  than  we  can.  Oh,  that 
I  could  commit  myself  to  Him  with  like  ardour  of  con- 
fidence, that  neither  life  nor  death  shall  separate  from 
His  love. 

*'  If  you  care  to  spend  a  moment's  thought  about  any 
thing  in  the  world,  believe  that  a  few  hearts  /jere,  as 
well  as  elsewhere,  love  you  with  a  peculiar  and  lively 
affection,  who  would  gladly  kneel  beside  your  bed,  and 
endeavour  to  alleviate  your  bodily  sorrows,  and  who 
sympathize  with  the  other  bosoms  which  have  yielded 
you  such  sweet  repose  in  Virginia.  Shall  we  not  love 
even  our  Saviour  better  that  so  many  are  created  anew 
in  his  image  to  love  one  another  ?  May  we  live  to  love 
one  another  where  they  never  die  any  more. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  395 

*'  With  a  faithful  affection  and  a  remembrance  of  you 
never  to  cease. 

*'  Your  unworthy  brother  in  the 

hope  of  the  Gospel, 

♦*M.  Bruen." 

From  F.  W.  T. 

"  March  24,  1829. 

"  My  dear  brother : 

**  Agreeably  to  your  request  that  you  may  hear  from 
Prince-Edward  every  mail,  I  write  you  this  evening. 
Still,  I  know  not  that  I  can  communicate  any  intelli- 
gence relative  to  James,  which  shall  elevate  your  hopes 
or  alleviate  your  fears.  And  yet,  the  alternations  of 
hope  and  fear,  awake  their  correspondent  emotions  in 
my  own  bosom,  as  hour  succeeds  hour,  and  each  day 
urges  on  to  its  close. 

"  In  my  letter,  two  days  since,  I  spoke  of  J.'s  situa- 
tion, as  being  increasingly  dangerous.  Night  before 
last  was  one  of  great  anxiety.  J.'s  breathing  was  short  as 
usual,  but  attended  apparently  with  double  the  difficulty. 
Yesterday  was  an  easier  day  with  him.  The  last  night 
he  slept  calmly,  and  to-day,  he  has  required  less  atten- 
tion than  for  several  preceding.  What  we  are  to  gather 
from  these  changes,  and  his  state  of  quietude,  I  know 
not.  It  is  true  they  afford  to  friends  fairy  food  for  hope, 
ever  ready,  as  they  are,  to  seize  upon  the  faintest  cir- 


396 


TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 


cumstance  to  relieve  their  apprehensions  ;  but  amid  the 
most  favourable  tokens  in  the  case  of  our  dear  brother, 
there  is  enough  of  debiUty,  and  at  times  such  a  complete 
exhaustion,  as  to  render  despair  the  perpetual  attendant 
on  every  exertion.  I  said  that  James  breathed  short  as 
usual.  I  have  marked  that  he  always  breathes  at  least 
three  times  more  rapidly  than  myself;  and  frequently 
faster  still.  His  pulse  runs  with  a  corresponding  rapid- 
ity, although  often  so  feeble  as  scarcely  to  be  perceived. 
Under  such  circumstances,  how  can  he  but  ivear  out  in 
a  short  time? 

"  So  disagreeable  a  March,  it  is  said,  has  scarcely 
ever  been  known  in  this  region  ;  and  for  fifteen  years, 
it  is  not  remembered  that  there  has  been  so  great  a  fall  of 
enow.  The  last  season,  at  this  time,  vegetation  had  put 
forth.  Now  the  fields  exhibit  no  token  of  spring.  I 
know  not  that  a  warmer  March  would  have  saved  our 
brother;  but  I  learn  that  the  expectations  of  the  physi- 
cians here,  hung  not  a  little  on  this  circumstance. 

"  Your  letter  to  James  of  the  seventeenth  is  received. 
You  seem  still  to  cherish  the  expectation  that  he  may 
recover.  I  deem  this  to  be  very  natural.  1  coiiless, 
with  all  the  manifest  tokens  of  his  decline  around  nie, 
there  is  still  lingering  in  my  own  bosom  the  s-anie  ftcl- 
inor.  More  than  once  have  I  thought  that  James  would 
yet  recover  suffiLiiently  to  reach  his  fnciuis  in  New- 
York,  and  finally  to  deposit  his  remains  at  the  hallowed 
spot  of  The  Hill.     And  this,  too,  in  the  face  of  evi- 


#• 


^* 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  397 

dence  which  seems  to  render  the  contrary  almost  cer- 
H  tain. 

**  It  gives  me  pleasure  still  to  testify  to  the  composure 
of  our  dear  brother's  mind.  If  his  spirits  are  ever  sun- 
ken, it  is  his  animal  feelings.  He  says  but  little.  Talk- 
ing exhausts  him.  I  was  struck  by  a  remark  of  his,  a 
few  days  since,  to  some  of  the  students,  while  on  the 
portico.  *  Sickness,'  said  James,  '  is  not  the  time  for 
enjoying  religion.  True,  religion  is  a  blessed  thing  in 
sickness.  But  when  in  health,  is  the  time  for  the  enjoy-'^ 
ment  of  the  soul,  in  its  experience  of  the  smiles  and  the 
presence  of  God.'  The  person  who  has  witnessed  the 
debility  and  the  pains  attendant  on  the  sick-bed,  will 
acknowledge  the  justness  of  the  sentiment.  '  I  have 
prayed  to  God,'  said  James,  yesterday,  *  that  I  might 
so  live,  that  when  I  came  to  die,  I  should  have  nothing 
to  do  but  to  die.  God  heard  me.  If  I  had  any  thing 
else  now  to  do,  I  could  not  do  it.' 

"  It  gives  us  great  pleasure  to  hear  from  you,  and  we 
trust  you  will  continue  to  write  regularly,  until  circum- 
stances in  the  case  of  James  shall  materially  alter. 
"  As  ever,  your  affectionate  brother, 

"F. 

*'  I  am  surprised  to  find  our  beloved  friend  yet  alive. 

We  really  thought  night  before  last  that  he  was  dying. 

The  preceding  twenty-four  hours  were  a  time  of  fearful 

expectation.     His  extremities  were  cold.     His  pulse 

34 


398  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY   OF 

often  entirely  gone— -his  breath  short,  and  his  whole 
face  sunk.  We  just  hung  round  in  fearful  expecta-V 
tion.  But  to  our  joy,  and  to  my  astonishment,  he  has 
certainly  had  appearances  since  of  amendment.  His 
extremities  have  become  warm  —  his  pulse  has  return- 
ed —  and  he  looks  as  though  he  were  more  comfortable. 
Yet  now,  every  time  we  move  him,  so  extreme  is  his 
debility,  that  he  appears  as  though  he  would  lose  his 
breath.  We  pray,  and  hope,  and  despair,  and  pray  and 
hope  again.  One  of  the  physicians  here  on  Sabbath 
evening,  said  he  never  knew  a  man  with  such  a  pulse  to 
live  forty-eight  hours.  But  this  is  Wednesday  morning, 
and  he  appears  less  like  dying  now,  than  on  Monday 
night.     If  it  be  possible,  0  Father,  restore  him. 

"  Fitch  is  an  exemplary  brother.     We  love  him  more 
and  more. 

"  Accept  our  kindest  regards. 

"J.  H.  R." 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
March  27,  1829. 
"  As  it  is  necessary  that  brother  F.  should  get  some 
sleep  this  evening,  and  Mr.  Rice  is  very  much  engaged, 
it  falls  to  my  lot  to  give  our  dear  friend  the  intelligence  by 
this  mail.  Oh  that  I  could  give  a  more  pleasing  ac- 
count !  Yet  it  is  some,  indeed,  much  comfort,  to  be  able 
to  say,  that  our  beloved  brother  is  yet  alive  ;  and  to  all 
appearance  not  worse  than  when  we  wrote  last.     I  al- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  399 

most  fancy  that  he  is  better,  yet  I  dare  not  say  so.  I 
have  thought  several  times  early  this  week,  that  he  was 
actually  dying,  and  he  thought  so  too;  and  was  calm 
and  happy,  endeavouring  to  comfort  us  when  scarcely 
able  to  speak  so  as  to  be  understood.  He  has  lain  for 
the  last  week,  as  a  dying  man.  Yet  he  seemed  to  know 
all  that  was  going  on  around  him.  His  sight,  scent,  and 
hearing,  seem  to  be  painfully  acute.  Indeed,  he  com- 
prehends, and  understands  as  quickly  and  perfectly,  as 
ever  he  did  ;  yet  he  is  so  low  as  scarcely  to  bear  a  word 
spoken  in  his  room.  We  cannot  pretend  to  converse 
where  he  is,  and  reading  or  writing  before  him  often 
seems  to  distress  and  fatigue  him.  I  am  now,  though 
writing  by  his  bed-side,  endeavouring  not  to  let  the 
sound  of  my  pen  be  heard  ;  and  just  this  moment  when 
I  rose  to  wipe  his  face,  he  whispered  *  my  dear  friendy* 
and  then  said  it  was  a  great  comfort  to  have  me  sitting 
by  him ;  for  no  one  nursed  him  so  gently.  This  is 
more  than  he  often  says  when  not  obliged  to  talk.  I 
have  much  to  encourage  and  stimulate  me  to  attend  on 
him.  He  is  such  a  precious  and  lovely  child  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  that  I  have  felt  it  a  distinguishing  pri- 
vilege to  be  appointed  to  nurse  and  attend  him,  and  in 
any  way  to  administer  to  his  comfort :  and  his  affection- 
ate heart  seems  to  make  all  that  I  do  acceptable.  He 
has  never  yet  complained  of  the  least  pain  or  soreness 
about  his  lungs ;  what  he  expectorates  seems  to  be 
nothing  more  than  phlegm.     There  seems  no  evidence 


400  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

of  an  abscess.  Indeed  he  has  no  pain  any  where,  bat 
the  most  distressing  debility,  nervous  distress,  and  verjr 
high  fevers,  which  I  cannot  but  think  have  been  less  for 
a  day  or  two.  Some  days  ago,  every  morning  in  the 
midst  of  the  fever,  his  head  would  be  so  wet  with  a  cold 
sweat,  as  in  a  short  time  to  wet  his  pillow ;  but  this  dis- 
tressing symptom  has  entirely  ceased.  Yet  he  is  so  low 
that  we  should  not  at  any  time  be  surprised  at  the  ap- 
pearance of  death.  He  seems  to  have  no  choice  but  to 
serve  and  please  his  heavenly  Father.  His  heaven 
seems  to  be  to  do  his  will.  Whether  on  earth  or  in  a 
higher  sphere,  seems  to  be  a  matter  of  indifference  to 
him.  I  have  never,  for  a  moment,  seen  his  faith  fail. 
His  entire  reliance  and  confidence  are  never  shaken,  and 
his  peace  is  continual.  He  has  become  inexpressibly 
dear  to  me.  I  feel  much  of  the  tenderness  that  a  mo- 
ther does  for  a  sick  child  ;  and  if  he  should  be  taken 
away,  I  shall  feel  in  the  same  way  bereaved.  He  de- 
sired to  have  both  of  your  letters,  received  to-day,  read 
to  him,  and  listened  with  interest.  I  just  asked  him 
if  he  had  any  message  to  send  you,  he  whispered  a 
weight  of  love.  His  brother  J.'s  letters  he  read  with 
many  tears.  He  has  never  been  able  to  dictate  an  an- 
swer ;  but  they  were  very  gratifying  to  him.  I  have 
never  seen  any  one  who  appeared  to  love  his  friends  more 
ardently.  He  was  so  low  before  his  brother  F.  came, 
that  I  feared  he  would  never  see  him.  For  a  night  and 
a  day,  I  prayed  almost  constantly  that  he  might  liv% 


JAMES   BSAINERD    TAYLOR.  401 

until  he  arrived.  His  coming  seemed  to  stop  the  pro- 
gress of  the  disease,  for  at  least  three  days.  I  have  no 
words  to  express  the  comfort  his  being  here  is  to  us 
both.  I  do  not  see  how  we  could  do  without  him.  He 
loves  so  much  to  hdive  friends  about  him,  that  no  hired 
nurse,  which  you  desired  should  be  procured,  or  strangers 
could  have  aided  much.  He  does  not  like  to  be  left  a 
moment  without  his  brother  or  myself  is  in  the  room.  I 
need  not  say  how  much  we  should  be  gratified  to  see 
you ;  but  cannot  say  if  you  now  set  out,  whether  you 
would  feel  inexpressible  pain  or  pleasure,  when  you 
arrived.  He  has  not  yet  been  able  to  hear  Mr.  Brew- 
ster's letter  read,  but  I  know  it  will  gratify  him,  as  'he 
loves  him  very  much.  As  it  is  now  midnight,  and  he 
appears  to  be  sleeping  comfortably,  I  will  leave  the 
blank  for  brother  F.  to  say  how  he  is  in  the  morning. 
Mr.  Rice  says  it  seems  to  him  as  if  yours  and  other's 
prayers  were  keeping  him  in  this  world.  May  they  be 
beard  and  answered,  most  for  the  glory  of  God. 
"  Yours  respectfully  and  affectionately, 

"A.  S.  Rice. 
"P.  S.  3  o'clock,  Saturday  morning. 

"  I  have  just  risen  from  a  short  and  acceptable 
sleep,  and  secure  this  moment  to  add  a  postscript  to  Mrs, 
Rice's  letter.  Dr.  Farrow  was  here  last  evening.  He 
thought  James  evidently  a  little  stronger,  and  some  littljB 
indication,  for  a  moment,  was  encouraging.  I  saw  him 
after  he  left  the  room,  and  asked  him  if  he  thought  J.'s 
34* 


402  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY    OP 


present  symptoms  could  give  any  permanent  encourage- 
ment to  his  friends.  Dr.  F.  thought  not.  The  Httle 
increase  in  the  strength  of  J.'s  pulse,  he  deemed  like  the 
fluctuations  in  every  sick-man's  case,  and  he  thought,  in 
the  present  instance,  Jame's  friends  should  look  for  the 
worst.  Dr.  F.  had  read  your  letter  of  the  twenty- 
second,  in  which  you  express  your  intention  to  leave  for 
Prince  Edward,  in  a  few  days,  should  succeeding  letters 
prove  more  favourable.  Dr.  F.  expressed  his  appre- 
hension that  you  could  not  reach  here,  before  James 
should  be  taken  from  us.  And  yet,  he  said,  your  solici- 
tude to  see  him  is  so  great,  he  would  advise  me  to  en- 
courage your  starting  from  New- York  for  this,  provided 
there  should  be  no  change  in  brother  J.  for  the  worse  be- 
tween this  and  Monday  night.  Dr.  F.,  however, 
thought  there  would  be,  and  that  a  sudden  change  might 
be  expected  every  moment.  If  James  should  become 
no  worse  than  he  now  is,  for  two  days  onward,  Dr.  F. 
thinks  you  might  reach  here  before  his  death.  The  idea 
that  he  may  return  with  you,  he  thinks  can  never  be 
realized. 

"  Brother  Brewster,  by  his  letter,  seems  to  have  mis- 
understood an  expression  in  mine.  He  seems  to  have 
inferred  that  James  had  been  depressed  in  his  religious 
feelings.  Please  say  to  him  that  this  has  never  been  the 
case.  On  the  occasion,  to  which  I  alluded  in  my  letters 
our  dear  Mrs.  R.  and  myself  were  about  J.'s  bed.  He 
had  been  restless  for  some  time,  and  at  the  instant  was 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  403 

more  than  usually  weak.  He  turned  his  full  eye 
affectionately  upon  Mrs.  R.  and  said,  *  I  fear  you  will 
think  that  I  am  beginning  to  grow  homesick.'  And  for 
a  moment,  his  eyes  filled  with  tears.  James  has  the 
soul  of  a  son  and  a  brother,  and  remembers  his  home  and 
his  kindred.  But  he  is  contented  to  die  here ;  and  loves 
with  no  less  than  a  son's  and  a  brother's  affection,  the 
friends  he  is  among  ;  and  who,  with  equal  devotion,  re- 
ciprocate his  attachment.  If  he  dies,  he  will  sleep  be- 
side them,  in  the  grave-yard  of  their  family,  and  on  the 
resurrection-day,  we  trust,  they  will  together  rise,  and 
take  the  same  course  to  the  right  hand  of  God.  With 
much  love  to  all, 

"  Your  brother  in  sorrow  and  affection, 


The  next  letter  I  take  to  transcribe,  is  sealed  in 
black,  and  reads  as  follows. 


406  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

**  Union  Seminary,  29th  March,  1829. 

"  My  beloved  Friend  and  Brother : 

"  It  devolves  on  me  to  perform  a  mournful  office. 
I  have  a  brother  whom  I  educated  for  the  ministry,  and 
I  feel  towards  him  as  I  do  not  towards  any  other  human 
being  —  a  sort  of  mingling  of  parental  and  fraternal  af- 
fection. And  I  know  how  you  will  feel  when  I  tell  you 
that  dear  James  is  gone.  About  half-past  six  o'clock, 
this  Sabbath  evening,  his  mortal  conflict  was  ended, 
and  he  entered  into  his  rest.  His  sufferings,  for  some 
time  past,  were  very  great — not  so  much  from  pain  as 
from  most  excessive  debility.  This  was  so  great,  that, 
as  you  may  have  seen  from  my  former  communications, 
the  wonder  was,  he  did  not  die  sooner. 

"  Apart  from  natural  feelings  of  sorrow  for  the  loss 
of  one  so  beloved,  and  grief  that  the  church  should  be 
bereaved  of  so  precious  a  young  minister,  there  is 
nothing  in  the  case  of  your  dear  brother,  but  cause  of 
joy  and  thanksgiving.  During  his  whole  sickness,  and 
amidst  all  the  changes  produced  by  disease  in  his  spirits, 
he  never  had  the  shadow  of  a  doubt,  in  regard  to  his 
acceptance — his  faith  never  foiled,  nor  did  his  love 
grow  cold.  In  the  midst  of  all  his  weakness,  the  ad- 
versary was  most  mercifully  restrained  ;  and  he  enjoyed 
the  presence  of  his  redeeming  Lord.  His  affectionate 
heart,  too,  retained  all  its  kindness,  and  he  enjoyed  to 
the  last,  the  sympathetic  attentions  of  those  who  minis- 
tered to  his  wants.  Dear  man !  he  won  our  love  most 
entirely. 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  407 

'*  He  was  graciously  permitted  to  retain  his  reason  to 
the  very  last  —  and  showed  what  was  the  bent  of  his 
mind,  by  his  dying  speech.  '  Fitch !  strive,  strive  /' 
*  Strive  to  do  what,  my  dear?  But  his  last  words  had 
been  spoken.  After  uttering  them,  he  gasped  a  few 
moments  for  breath  ;  and  then  without  a  struggle  or  a 
groan,  fell  asleep  in  Jesus.  He  took  an  upward  flight, 
*if  ever  soul  ascended.' 

"  How  mysterious  this  event  I  —  since  it  has  appear- 
ed to  me  inevitable,  that  one  so  prepared  for  the  minis- 
try, and  so  desirous  to  be  useful  as  our  dear  brother  was, 
should  die ;  the  thought  has  often  occurred  to  me,  that 
there  are  services  for  very  holy  and  devoted  men,  in  a 
higher  sphere,  to  which  they  are  called,  and  where  they 
do  incomparably  more  for  the  glory  of  the  divine  Re- 
deemer, and  are  more  useful,  than  they  could  possibly 
be  on  e^arth.  And  while  we  are  wondering  that  ihey 
should  be  cut  off,  and  disappoint  all  our  hopes  of 
their  usefulness,  they  probably  do  more  in  a  day,  in 
heaven,  than  they  could  do  in  a  life  time  in  this  world. 
The  Master  had  use  for  our  brother  above,  and  called 
for  him.  We  would  fain  have  kept  him  here.  I  confess 
that  I  never  have  seen  a  young  man,  whom  I  so  much 
wished  should  live. 

"But  why  should  he  come  here,  far  from  home,  to 
die?  The  Head  of  the  Church  seems  to  have  put  into 
your  heart  a  particular  love  to  our  little  Seminary  ;  and 
means  to  make  much  use  of  you  in  building  it  up. 


1 


408  TRIBUTE  TO  THE   MEMORY  OF 

Among  other  things,  He  has  enabled  you,  as  his  instru- 
ment, to  train  a  young  servant,  not  to  labour  in  the 
ministry  below,  but  to  be  taken  away  to  a  higher  and 
more  important  station.  But  on  his  passage  to  heaven. 
He  sent  him  by  this  place,  that  it  might  be  seen  here, 
what  a  young  minister  ought  to  be,  and  how  a  Christian 
can  suffer  and  die.  And  perhaps,  you  have  thus  been 
permitted  to  do  more  for  us,  than  you  could  have  done, 
if  you  were  richer  than  "M  r.  Bartlett. 

"  Dear  brother !  I  sympathize  with  you,  and  your 
afflicted  relations  —  may  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  be  with 
your  spirit. 

"  Mrs.  Rice,  in  great  affliction,  joins  me  in  sympathy, 
love,  and  every  fraternal  feeling. 

"  Most  affectionately,  yours, 

"John  H.  Rice. 

"  I  send  this  by  a  gentleman  going  to  Richmond.  I 
also  send  a  brief  notice  of  your  brother  for  the  Visitor 
and  Telegraph,  and  have  requested  the  editor  to  forward 
you  a  copy." 

"  Union  Seminary,  31st  March,  1829. 
"  My  Dear  Brother  : 
"  I  wrote  you  by  a  gentleman  going  to  Richmond, 
yesterday.  But  the  letter  may,  from  bad  weather,  be 
longer  on  its  passage  than  I  expected.  I  therefore,  think 
it  my  duty  to  prepare  a  letter  to  send  by  to-morrow 
morning's  mail,  for  the  purpose  of  removing  your  pain- 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  409 

ful  suspense  about  dear  James.  I  told  you  that  it  had 
pleased  the  Lord  to  remove  him  —  that  he  finished  his 
course  on  Sabbath  evening,  and  that  his  end  was  peace. 

"  I  ought  to  add,  that  your  brother  Fitch,  considering 
how  embarrassing  and  obscure  all  the  symptoms  of  hia 
disease  had  been,  felt  that  it  was  his  duty  to  have  the 
body  examined.  This  was  done  by  a  physician  of  great 
delicacy  and  kindness  of  feeling,  as  well  as  of  true  piety. 
He  had  no  sooner  laid  the  lungs  bare,  than  he  exclaim- 
ed in  astonishment,  *  How  has  he  lived  so  long  1  Here 
is  disease  enough  to  have  killed  forty  men.'  I  will  send 
you  the  physician's  report  of  the  case.  Manifestly,  no 
skill  in  the  world  could  have  saved  his  life  —  and  he 
was  kept  alive  so  long  only  by  the  power  of  nursing. 

"  This  day  we  attended  his  funeral.  It  would  have 
been  painfully  gratifying  to  you  to  have  seen  how  deeply 
the  neighbours  felt  the  death  of  your  brother.  I  preach- 
ed to  a  considerable  congregation  on  Matt,  xxv :  23. 
*Well  done  good  and  faithful  servant,'  &c.  I  en- 
deavoured to  show  what  faithful  service  is,  and  what  tho 
reward.  The  congregation  wept,  and  some  even  sob- 
bed aloud.  We  deposited  the  remains  of  our  beloved 
brother  in  the  family  burying-ground  of  Mrs.  Rice's 
father.  He  lies  there  with  a  little  company  of  pious 
persons  —  among  them  are  two  others,  one  of  whom 
was  a  young  preacher  from  Pennsylvania  ;  another  a 
candidate  for  the  ministry  from  Maine.  Your  brother 
said  he  wished  to  sleep  with  Mrs.  Rice's  friends.  Thej 
35 


410  TRIBUTE    TO   THE   MEMORY   OP 

all  acknowledged  him  as  a  brother,  and  will  cherish  his 
memory  with  lasting  affection. 

"  Dear  friend !  may  the  Lord  support  you  under  this 
trial,  and  make  it  a  rich  blessing  to  you  and  yours. 

"  Quite  exhausted  with  much  watching  and  labour,  I 
write  hurriedly  and  must  close.  ^    • 

"  You  are  dearer  to  us  than  ever, 

"  J.  H.  Rice." 

Thus  we  have  reached  the  event,  towards  which  we 
have  been  looking  through  the  correspondence,  which 
has  been  given.  It  was  no  common  event;  for  it  was  the 
last  earthly  hour  of  an  uncommonly  holy  man.  It  was  a 
Sabbath-day,  and  the  sun  was  throwing  his  level  beams 
across  the  fields,  before  he  again  retired  beneath  the 
mountains,  seen  in  the  distance.  There  had  been  a  stir 
among  the  students  of  the  Seminary,  for  it  had  been 
whispered  through  the  building,  that  Mr.  Taylor'  was 
supposed  to  be  dying.  A  number  had  gathered  to  the 
room,  and  were  around  the  bed  of  Taylor  —  for,  they 
had  thought  that  the  exit  of  such  a  man  could  not  be 
otherwise  then  peaceful ;  and  they  desired  to  witness  so 
calm  and  triumphant  a  death  of  the  Christian.  Mr. 
Taylor  comprehended  the  silent  language  ot  their  move- 
ment, and  expressions  of  solicitous  sympathy.  It  was 
his  last  effort,  at  his  last  hour.  He  testified  to  the  good- 
ness of  God,  and  the  unwavering  confidence  that  his 
soul  was  soon  to  enter  that  heaven  that  never  looked 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  411 

more  '  desirable*  to  him ;  and  that  he  should  soon  see 
the  Saviour,  who  had  so  inexpressibly  blessed  him  on  his 
way  to  the  grave.  He  doubted  not  he  should  soon 
mingle  with  the  *  shining  ones '  above.  With  an  eye 
full  of  tenderness,  and  which  was  bright  and  clear  to  the 
last,  he  bid  them  farewell  —  the  students  —  his  kind 
nurse,  and  the  friend,  her  husband,  who  had  so  affec- 
tionately entertained  him,  and  administered  at  their 
dwelling  to  the  comfort  of  his  last  hours.  His  last  mes- 
sage to  his  absent  friends  now,  was  simply  *  Love.' 
*  Farewell,'  he  finally  added,  *  farewell  to  you  all  —  and 
farewell  to  this  earth.'  His  eyes  were  now  for  a  mo- 
ment closed ;  when  again  he  opened  them  as  if  he  would 
add  another  word,  and  turned  to  his  affectionate  nurse, 
ever  sittting  at  his  right  side  in  his  moments  of  weak- 
ness, and  whispered  to  her,  as  if  he  had  forgotten  it  — 
'•farewell  to  the  servants.^  But,  where  was  the  solitary 
brother  at  this  moment,  who  had  urged  his  way  so  far 
and  rapidly,  to  be  beside  James  Taylor  in  his  dying 
moments  1  Fatigued,  he  had  seized  an  hour  of  repose, 
in  an  upper-chamber,  to  be  the  better  prepared  for  the 
watches  of  the  night,  and  yet  clinging  to  hope,  however 
faint,  that  his  brother  would  live  beyond  the  going  down 
of  this  Sabbath's  sun.  He  was  dreaming,  as  said  in  a 
brief  note  before  me,  that  he  was  gently  assisting  in 
raising  James  in  the  bed,  which  awoke  him,  and  just  at 
the  moment  when  the  above  scene  had  passed,  he  re- 
entered the  room  below,  ignorant  of  the  cause  which 


412 


JAMES   BRAINERD    TAYLOR. 


had  gathered  more  than  a  usual  number  at  the  bed-side 
of  his  beloved  brother,  and  when  his  friends  were  about 
to  awaken  him.  As  he  approached  his  bed  side,  the 
dying  brother  faintly  said,  "Brother  —  almost  gone  — 
almost  gone !"  and  cast  upon  him  a  look  of  inexpres- 
sible tenderness,  which  was  answered  only  by  ?i  brother"* s 
look,  and  a  checked  tear,  as  he  took  his  seat  at  the  left 
side  of  one,  for  whom  his  last  hope  was  destined,  ere  a 
brief  half-hour  longer,  to  be  resigned.  He  took  the 
hand  of  James,  and  pressed  it  between  his,  and  held 
it  as  he  sat  in  silence  at  the  left  side  of  his  dying 
brother.  He  soon  asked  him,  if  there  were  not  too 
many  around  his  bed  side  ?  His  brother  J.  indicated 
that  there  were,  and  in  a  few  moments  the  room  was 
vacated  by  all  but  the  brother  and  Mrs.  Rice.  This 
was  the  more  readily  done,  as  at  this  moment  Mr. 
Taylor  breathed  more  calmly,  and  rested  with  a  mo- 
mentary quietude  that  relieved,  for  an  instant,  the 
generally  awakened  solicitude.  No  step  now  was 
heard ;  and  as  his  brother,  for  a  moment,  leaned  over 
him,  James  whispered,  without  turning  his  head,  "  who 
sits  on  my  right  1 "  Mrs.  Rice  replied,  "  It  is  I."  "  It 
is  all,  then,  as  I  would  have  it,"  continued  the  dying 
brother,  as  Mrs.  R.  pressed  one  of  his  hands  to  her 
bosom,  while  the  other  was  resting  in  his  brother  F.'s. 
*^ Brother!"  said  James,  ^^ strive!  strive!"  but  spoke 
no  more,  only  with  that  eye  that  still  gazed  tenderly  and 
Ungeringly  in  his  brother's  face.     It  spoke  forth  the 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  413 

whole  affection  of  his  soul,  and  in  another  moment  he 
answered  not  the  pressure  of  that  brother's  hand.  The 
truth  was  in  an  instant  perceived.  The  dying  saint 
drew  a  long  but  calm  breath,  in  fearful  contrast  with  his 
but  just  now  rapid  breathing.  Another  —  and  another 
—  and  another  succeeded,  and  all  was  over!  James 
Brainerd  Taylor  rested  in  his  last  sleep,  and  his 
beautiful  and  devoted  spirit  in  the  bosom  of  its  God. 

"  Oh!  'twas  a  placid  rest! 
Who  would  deplore  it? 
Trance  of  the  pure  and  blest, 

Angels  watched  o'er  it. 
Sleep  of  his  mortal  night, 

Pain  now  can't  break  it. 
Heaven's  own  morning  light, 
Alone  shall  wake  it!" 


35* 


SECTION    XVI. 

After  the  obsequies  of  Mr.  Taylor  had  been  attend- 
ed, two  or  three  days  intervened,  when  the  succeeding 
three  letters  were  written.  They  are  appropriately 
inserted  here. 

From  Mrs.  Rice  to  the  mother  of  Mr.  Taylor. 

"  Union  Theological  Seminary, 
April  3d,  1829. 
"  If  I  can,  in  the  least  degree,  alleviate  the  sorrow  of 
the  dear  mother  of  my  beloved  friend,  most  gladly  will 
I  do  it.  And  your  afflicted  son,  who  does  us  the  favour 
of  remaining  awhile  with  us,  thinks  a  letter  from  me, 
would  be  some  comfort  to  you.  If  mingling  my  heart 
with  yours,  and  feeling  all  a  mother's  bereavement, 
could  lessen  the  weight  of  your  grief,  then  would  it 
indeed  be  lightened.  I  regret  exceedingly  that  I  did 
not  every  day,  set  down  all  that  was  interesting  in  rela- 
tion to  my  dear  happy  sufferer.  But  much,  I  trust,  is 
engraved  on  my  memory,  and  on  my  heart,  never  to  be 
forgotten,  pr  neglected.  I  have,  indeed,  been  most 
highly  privileged,  and  am  sincerely  thankful  to  our  hea- 
venly Father,  for  sending  to  my  care,  so  precious  a 
child  of  His.     He  seemed  from  the  first  to  come  as  a 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  415 

blessing  to  me,  and  to  raise  my  idea  of  holy  living,  and 
of  Christian  enjoyment.  He  ever  seemed  happy,  joy- 
ful, triumphant,  until  disease  wore  down  his  animal 
spirits.  But  his  faith,  hope,  peace,  never  for  a  moment 
failed,  but  continued  perfect  to  the  last.  I  inquired 
shortly  before  he  left  us,  about  the  state  of  his  mind. 
He  replied,  peace,  perfect  peace  !  but  too  weak  to  think 
or  talk.  When  he  found  he  must  die  away  from  you, 
he  wept  much,  and  grieved  at  the  thought  of  your  sor- 
row. "  Dear  Father  !  Dear  Mother !  what  would  I 
not  do  to  comfort  you,"  he  would  ever  say.  "  But 
my  heavenly  Father  is  pleased  to  have  it  so,  and  I  love 
to  please  Him."  He  did  indeed  delight  more  in  the  love 
of  God,  and  in  doing  His  will,  than  I  have  ever  seen 
in  another ;  and  spoke  of  his  removal  as  of  going  on 
a  foreign  Mission.  He  loved  to  serve  his  Lord,  wher- 
ever he  appointed  him,  and  hoped  to  be  engaged  in  the 
dehghtful  work  forever.  He  often  spoke  of  rest  for  his 
poor  body,  but  his  happy  spirit  loved  to  serve  and  please 
his  heavenly  Father  perfectly.  He  often  spoke  of  see- 
ing you  all  soon,  and  of  welcoming  you  to  a  better 
world,  never  more  to  part.  He  is  not,  my  dear  Madam, 
lost  even  to  us ;  if  we  live  as  he  did,  we  shall  again 
enjoy  sweet  intercourse  with  him.  His  words,  "  My 
friend  for  elcrnity,"  have  made  a  deep  impression  on 
my  heart.  Oh,  that  his  mantle  may  rest  on  me,  and 
on  this  Seminary !  My  grandmother  lost  a  daughter  in 
Kentucky.     Surprise  was  expressed  that  she  bore  it  so 


416  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

calmly  and  cheerfully.  She  remarked,  "  heaven  is 
not  as  far  from  me  as  Kentucky.  I  shall  soon  join  her 
there.  In  K.  she  had  much  to  suffer ;  now  she  is  per- 
fectly happy,  and  why  should  I  grieve.  My  grand- 
mother never  expected  to  see  her  child  again  had  she 
lived.  But  you  and  he  did  expect  again  to  meet  on 
earth,  and  he  enjoyed  much  the  thought  of  introducing 
us  to  each  other.  But  his  joys  are  now  far  above  mor- 
tal conception.  Oh,  had  we  but  a  glimpse  of  them, 
we  should  adore,  and  praise,  and  not  repine !  He  did 
not  finish  his  course  among  strangers,  though  far  from 
home.  Many  saw,  admired,  and  loved  him.  And  to 
me  he  was  inexpressibly  dear.  I  may  say  is,  for  I  know 
he  still  exists,  glorious  and  happy.  You  are  the  blessed 
mother  of  a  son  safe  in  heaven.  We  rejoice  that  on 
his  way  there,  he  called  at  the  Seminary,  and  gave  a 
new  impulse  to  holiness  of  life  among  us.  He  had  a 
tedious,  exhausting  time  of  suffering.  I  felt  as  if  going 
through  the  dark  valley  for  weeks  with  him.  But  the 
light  of  God's  countenance  ever  shone  to  guide  and  sus- 
tain him.  Such  a  lovely  spirit  is  rarely  known  on  earth, 
and  his  is  gone  to  a  more  congenial  clime.  Perhaps  a 
service  there  required  him  even  more  than  any  here. 
He  who  never  errs  has  ordered  all.  So  much  have  I 
heard  him  talk  of  his  dear  father  and  mother,  and  belov- 
ed brothers  and  sisters,  that  I  feel  personally  acqnainted 
with  you  all.  F.  feels  to  me  as  a  most  dear  and  be- 
loved brother.     Were  he  not  here,  I  know  not  how  I 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  417 

could  bear  up.  I  cannot  tell  you  the  comfort  he  has 
been  to  me,  and  to  my  precious  charge.  He  seemed 
to  enjoy  his  arrival  more  than  words  can  express ;  and 
it  appeared  to  stop  his  decline  for  some  days.  I  am 
told  that  dear  S.  resembles  my  friend.  Oh,  that  he 
may  have  fully  his  spirit !  He  loved  him  much,  as  he 
did  you  all.  I  shall  rejoice  if  providence  permits  us  to 
meet  on  earth.  A  very  endearing  bond  unites  me  to 
you  and  yours.  Mr.  Rice  unites  in  the  kindest  regards, 
"  Yours,  very  affectionately, 

"Anne  S.  Rice." 

"  Prince  Edward,  April  3d.  1829. 

"  My  dear  Parents : 

"  I  presume  you  have  seen  the  letters  written 
from  this,  at  several  times,  by  myself  and  Dr.  Rice  to 
brother  K.  ;  or  have  repeatedly  received  intelligence  of 
James's  health  from  him.  A  letter  received  from  K. 
to-day  suggests  that  I  should  write  you  direct  to  Middle- 
Haddam,  as  you  will  obtain  information  from  here  a 
little  sooner  in  the  due  course  of  the  mails,  than  if  the 
letters  were  first  taken  from  the  office  in  New-York. 

"And  yet,  my  dear  parents,  I  anticipate  that  you 
will  have  heard  the  saddest  news  from  him,  before  you 
shall  have  received  this — for,  it  has  been  two  days 
since  our  beloved  James  has  slumbered  peacefully  iu 
his  grave.  Intelligence  of  his  death  was  immediately 
communicated  by  Dr.  Rice  to  Knowles. 


418 


TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 


"  My  dear  parents,  I  know  not  how  to  offer  conso- 
lation to  you,  at  this  moment.  If  there  can  ever  be 
consolation  at  a  moment  when  an  affectionate  son  and 
brother  is  taken  from  the  arms  of  doting  parents,  and 
brothers  and  sisters  who  would  have  given  half  of  their 
own  to  have  lengthened  out  his  life,  certainly,  this  con- 
solation is  yours.  0, 1  well  remember  the  tears  which 
fell,  when  he  last  left  you !  I  felt  —  we  all  felt  —  how 
ominous  they  were.  Even  my  wonted  humour  staid 
itself  on  that  occasion.  Yes  —  and  I  well  remember, 
too,  the  expression  which  threw  us  all  into  tears  at  the 
breakfast-table,  a  short  time  before  he  left  The  Hill. 
And  yet  you  remember  how  calmly  James  retained  his 
seat,  while  others  went  to  their  rooms  to  shed  their  tears. 

*'  Well,  my  dear  father,  I  will  weep  with  you  for  a 
moment.  I  feel  that  there  is  no  sacrifice  of  manliness 
in  shedding  our  tears  at  such  an  hour.  I  know  how 
great  has  been  your  Rolicitudc  for  the  health  of  James 
—  and  how  wishfully  you  have  prayed  that  he  might 
yet,  in  health,  appear  on  the  walls  of  Zion.  But  I  am 
sure  you  will  not  forget  the  true  fountain  of  consolation 
at  this  time ;  and  that  a  right  estimate  of  the  character 
of  such  an  affectionate  son  shall  bring  to  your  bosom 
much  that  shall  yield  comfort,  and  take  away  one  half 
of  the  bitterness  of  this  providence. 

"  You  have  anticipated  the  pleasure  which  a  son 
justly  prized,  and  that  might  be  eminent,  would  afford 
you  in  a  declining  day.     But  let  the  maxim  that  "  H$ 


JAMES   BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  419 

has  lived  a  long  life  ivho  has  accomplished  much"  be 
recalled  to  your  recollection.  Nor  think  that  James 
has  left  behind  him  a  name  which  shall  not  be  spoken 
of.  No ;  I  believe  that  he  will  be  remembered,  and 
cited,  as  in  some  particulars  resembling,  as  he  was 
indeed,  by  family  relationship,  another  Brainerd. 

"  My  dear  mother,  may  you  not  derive,  too,  some 
solace  from  such  considerations?  I  know  that  the  sad 
intelligence  that  James  is  no  more  will  have  broken 
your  heart.  But  is  there  no  soothing  power  that  shall 
heal  the  wounded  spirit,  and  support  you  in  this  trial? 
Shall  I  tell  you  how,  with  tears,  James  remembered 
you,  and  pledged  him  that  if  he  should  ever  again  reach 
you  he  would  never  go  beyond  the  reach  of  his  mother's 
sighs,  and  would  die  on  his  mother's  bosom?  Or, 
shall  I  tell  you  how  dear  Mrs.  Rice,  with  a  mother's 
feelings,  closed  his  eyes  and  wiped  the  cold  damps 
from  his  forehead  ?  It  is  all  true.  And  while  he  loved 
you,  and  would  have  died  in  your  arms,  he  yet  thanked 
God  for  the  friend  who  soothed  him  in  your  absence 
and  who  has  wept  with  me,  as  would  a  sister,  over  his 
precious  remains.  Her  reward  is  in  heaven.  And  in 
this  life  may  she  receive  fourfold. 

"  My  mother,  think  of  the  happy  spirit  of  James 
now  mingling  with  kindred  souls.  Do  you  not  think  it 
possible,  that  he  is  a  kind-one,  who  may  still  wait  on 
you  for  good  ?  I  love  the  idea,  and  would  that  my 
paper  permitted  me  to  dwell  longer  upon  it. 


420  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

"  Say  to  Emma,  that  I  intended  a  word  for  her.  I 
have  for  you  all  some  mementoes,  which  James  directed 
to  be  given  to  you.  O,  mamma,  how  happy  I  am,  that 
his  portrait  is  left  us.  It  will  be  a  precious  relic  indeed. 

"  I  hope,  ere  long,  to  see  you.  And  will  you  not  be 
overjoyed  when  I  tell  you,  that  I  shall  bring  Mrs.  Rice 
with  me  to  The  Hill  ?  I  am  sure  you  will  love  her  ;  and 
that  she  will  love  you. 

"  For  a  little  while,  farewell.  I  must  write  sister  M. 
this  evening.     With  much  love  to  S. 

"  Fitch." 

"  My  dear  Brother : 

"  It  is  with  indefinable  feelings  that  I  now  write 
you.  Perhaps  they  would  be  best  expressed  were 
I  to  fold  this  sheet  and  send  it  simply  as  it  is  —  mois- 
tened with  my  tears.  But  then  I  should  be  unmindful 
of  the  debt  I  owe  to  others. 

"  The  letters  of  Dr.  Rice  will  have  informed  you 
that  James  sleeps  in  the  burial-place  of  the  Mortons  — 
far  from  his  home,  but  near  the  bosom  of  friends.  I 
stood  beside  his  grave  as  they  lowered  him  to  his  rest- 
ing place,  and  felt  like  one  who  v/as  alone  in  the  world, 
and  had  lost  the  dearest  friend  he  had  on  eartb.  A  bolt 
of  ice  seemed  shooting  through  my  heart  as  I  gazed 
into  the  cold  house  prepared  for  him,  and  heard  the 
earth  crumble  with  its  muffled  sound  upon  the  coffin  of 
a  departed  brother,  but  the  warm  pressure  of  a  sister- 


JAMES    BRAIxVERD  TAYLOR.  421 

friend  who  leaned  upon  my  arm,  melted  it  to  tears.  I 
say,  of  a  sister  —  for,  it  was  in  this  endearing  relation 
that  Mrs.  R.  followed  our  dear  James  to  his  tomb. 
The  blending  of  affecting  sympathies  over  a  common 
object  warms  our  best  affections,  and  I  never  so  sen- 
sibly have  felt  the  poverty  of  words,  as  when  I  would 
speak  of  this  admirable  woman.  I  have  already  told 
you  that  she  has  been  a  mother  in  all  her  attentions  to 
James.  And  to  me,  in  an  hour  when  the  soul  feels  its 
loneliness,  and  the  heart  is  full,  she  has  been  a  sistet 
indeed,  while  mingUng  her  tears  with  mine,  and  divided 
the  anguish  of  my  aching  heart. 

"  Dr.  Rice  in  his  letters,  I  suppose,  has  given  you  an 
account  of  the  burial-ceremonies  of  James.  His  ser- 
mon I  deemed  peculiarly  appropriate.  It  was  charac- 
teristic of  its  author,  while  it  wanted  not  in  eloquent 
appeal  and  thought.  The  eulogy,  (if  I  may  so  speak 
of  the  application  of  the  principles  of  the  discourse  to 
the  character  of  James,)  was  grateful  to  mine,  as  it 
would  have  been  to  the  feelings  of  other  relatives.  And 
while  it  was  honourable  to  the  character  and  attainments 
of  our  dear  James,  I  deemed  the  Doctor  to  say  nothing 
beyond  the  truth.  It  is  not  enough  to  say  that  James 
was  one  of  those  choice  spirits  who  now  and  then  visit 
our  world.  To  me  none  but  the  God  who  has  taken 
him  away  can  make  up  the  loss.  The  relations  toward 
each  other  in  which  we  have  ever  been  placed,  rendered 
him  not  only  doubly  the  brother,  but  also  3i  friend  in  all 
36 


422  TRIBUTE  TO  THE  MEMORY  OP 

the  endearing  ties  of  that  relation,  and  an  affectionate 
adviser.  The  more  I  look  at  his  character,  the  more 
he  awakens  my  admiration  and  affection.  The  exam- 
ple which  he  has  exhibited  before  me  for  seven  years 
past,  I  trust  will  never  be  forgotten  ;  while  an  assimula- 
tion  to  him  in  love  to  God,  will  form  a  perpetual  peti- 
tion in  my  morning  and  evening  prayer. 

**  It  has  proved  a  source  of  gratification  to  me  to 
mark  the  sympathy  which  James  awakened  among  the 
people  of  this  region.  They  delicately  endeavoured  to 
administer  to  his  comfort  while  living,  and  gave  an  ex- 
pression of  tenderness  and  respect  to  his  memory,  at 
his  burial. 

"  I  leave  it  for  the  sad  hour  when  we  shall  meet  to 
narrate  a  thousand  things,  which,  at  least,  will  melt 
your  heart  in  affection  towards  the  dear  family,  in  whose 
bosom  James  spent  his  last  hours. 

"  I  shall  ever  remember  J's  last  moments  with  deep 
felt  interest,  not  only  as  admonitory  to  myself,  but  as 
exhibiting  a  plaintive  scene  of  tender  affection,  which 
must  always  melt  the  heart  in  the  recollection.  Mrs. 
R.  supported  him  on  his  right.  She  pressed  his  hand 
alternately  to  her  bosom,  then  to  her  lip,  while  the  tears 
gushed  from  their  fountains.  Here,  some  days  previ- 
ously, James  had  desired  Mrs.  R.  to  place  herself,  when 
she  should  perceive  that  he  was  dying.  He  wished  to 
spend  his  last  breath  in  the  arms,  which  had  so  tenderly 
nursed  him.     His  left  hand  I  pressed  to  my  own  cheek, 


JAMES  BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  423 

and  moistened  with  my  own  tears,  while  I  watched  each 
breath  that  he  drew.  I  distinctly  marked  the  fatal  one 
which  told  us  that  he  soon  would  be  no  more.  A  few 
long  and  easy  breathings  succeeded,  and  he  was  gone 
forever  ! 

"  I  shall  wait  with  much  feeling  the  reception  of  let- 
ters from  you,  after  your  reception  of  Doctor  R.'s  letter 
and  this.  0  God !  mercifully  extend  thy  support  to  my 
dear  parents  !  I  know  how  bitterly  you  will  all  weep. 
Think  of  me  as  one  beside  you,  mingling  my  tears  with 
yours. 

"F.  W.  T. 

"  P.  S.  Mr.  Nettleton  is  below.  I  have  just  taken 
tea  with  him.  He  speaks  very  tenderly  of  James  ;  and 
regrets  that  he  did  not  receive  intelligence  of  his  death 
in  time  for  him  to  be  here  at  his  funeral.  He  would 
have  been  gratified  to  speak  to  the  people  after  the 
sermon. 

"  He  says  of  J.,  that  he  assisted  him  more  than  any 
other  young  man.  His  personal  appearance  was  so 
fine,  and  he  exhibited  so  much  of  that  feeling  in  his 
countenance,  which  he  loved,  that  he  was  pleased  in 
putting  him  forward  before  the  young  people,  whenever 
he  happened  to  be  labouring  with  him. 

"  It  will  give  me  pleasure,  if  so  fortunate,  to  become 
acquainted  with  this  good  man,  and  add  some  of  his 
experience  and  age,  to  my  want  of  it  and  youth." 

"  Your  limes,  lemons,  oranges  porter  etc.,  reached 


424  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

US  this  morning.  Most  of  the  limes  were  spoiled,  and 
some  of  the  other  fruit.  After  the  box  had  been  opened, 
Mrs.  R.  brought  some  of  the  fruit  into  my  room,  to  let 
me  see  the  state  in  which  they  reached  us.  But  the 
dear  object  for  whom  they  were  sent  was  gone.  We 
again  thought  of  our  brother  who  sleeps  in  his  grave, 
and  mingled  our  tears.  Mrs.  R.  had  left  the  room  a 
moment,  and  then  returned  again,  and  found  me  at  the 
window,  indulging  my  grief.  She  wept  with  me,  and 
then  spoke  of  my  friends.  She  felt  like  one  of  my  sis- 
ters, she  said,  and  she  wished  to  appear  like  one  of  them, 
when  she  should  meet  them  at  the  North.  She  there- 
fore would  be  pleased  when  their  mourning  dresses  are 
purchased,  that  one  should  be  made  at  the  same  time  for 
her,  to  be  ready  for  her  when  she  reaches  Bond-street. 

*'  7th.  I  have  taken  a  ride  with  Mrs.  R.  to-day,  and 
called  upon  a  Mr.  H.  He  has  been  some  time  indis- 
posed, but  is  now  recovering.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Seminary.  He  appears  to  be  an  interesting  man,  and 
will  partake  of  some  of  the  articles,  so  affectionately  de- 
signed for  brother  James. 

"  I  well  remember  a  remark  you  made  on  the  evening 
I  left  you  —  that  circumstances  might  render  it  pleasant 
for  me  to  spend  a  short  time  here,  in  case  of  the  death 
of  James,  unless  his  burial-place,  being  near,  might 
make  it  otherwise.  But  the  idea  that  James  is  resting 
in  a  grave,  but  a  little  way  from  me,  does  not  make  my 
stay  irksome.     It  is  true,  that  a  thousand  things  around 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  425 

recall  him  to  my  mind,  and  awake  a  train  of  associations 
that  often  makes  me  sad  —  very  sad.  But  then,  I  love 
these  emotions.  I  love  to  shed  my  tears  at  the  recol- 
lection of  my  brother.  It  is  then  I  realize  the  truth  as 
well  as  the  delicacy  of  the  sentiment,  that 

*  There  is  joy  in  tears.' 

"  Several  of  your  letters  have  been  received  since  the 
death  of  James.  Mr.  Bruen's  reached  here  after  James 
had  left  us.  It  grieves  me  to  read  these  letters,  penned 
in  ignorance  of  J.'s  death,  and  expressive  of  so  much 
affectionate  anxiety,  when  he,  to  whom  they  were  ad- 
dressed, was  already  gone  to  a  realm,  where  solicitude 
and  care  never  come.  And  yet,  the  letters  give  us  a 
melancholy  pleasure." 

The  news  of  Mr.  Taylor's  death  reached  his  friends 
in  New- York,  who  were  waiting  the  intelligence  of  every 
mail,  with  the  deep  solicitude  and  sorrow  of  afflicted  and 
affectionate  kindred.  It  reached  them,  and  the  sad 
story  ended  their  suspense,  and  augmented  their  grief. 

A  younger  sister,  then  in  New-York,  was  on  the 
eve  of  leaving  for  the  residence  of  her  father  at  Mid- 
dle-Haddam,  Connecticut.  She  was  the  bearer  of 
the  sad  and  fearfully  expected  intelligence  to  The  Hill. 

The  letter  from  this  sister,  with  a  note  attached  to  it, 
by  her  father,  was  returned  to  the  relatives  in  New- York, 
36* 


426  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

and  may  appropriately  be  introduced  here,  as  the  closing 
paragraph  of  this  Tribute  of  Friends  to  the  Mem- 
ory OF  one  of  their  number. 

"  I  now  attempt  to  write  a  few  lines  to  grant  your  re- 
quest, and  inform  you  of  my  safe  arrival.  We  had  a 
fine  passage  through  the  sound.  We  reached  Middle- 
Haddam  about  nine  o'clock.  It  will  be  in  vain  for  me 
to  attempt  to  relate  my  feelings,  when  I  came  in  sight 
of  our  house.  I  thought  within  me,  can  I  —  must  I  tell 
my  dear  parents  that  our  dear  James  is  gone !  Ah, 
that  it  should  have  fallen  to  me  to  bear  this  afflicting 
news  !  Yes  —  my  father  met  me.  Of  course,  the  in- 
telligence entered  his  ears.  It  appeared  as  if  he  would 
not  reach  the  house.  He  did  reach  the  door,  and  there 
seated  himself,  with  feelings,  to  appearance,  insupport- 
able. And  before  I  entered  the  house,  I  heard  the 
deep-felt  moans  of  my  dear  and  afflicted  mother.  It 
appears  as  if  they  would  sink  under  this  affliction.  But 
they  have  a  source  to  flee  to  which  all  have  not,  and  I 
trust  our  heavenly  Father  will  be  their  stay  in  these 
trying  moments.  Mamma  says,  tell  my  children  that  I 
am  a  poor,  afflicted  mother.  Pray  that  our  parents  may 
be  supported,  and  that  this  bereavement  may  be  for  the 
good  of  the  souls  of  us  all. 

"  I  wish  it  were  convenient  for  K.  or  J.  to  come  up, 
and  spend  a  few  days  with  us.  It  would  comfort  their 
dear  parents.  Give  my  love  to  all.  Mamma  sends 
much  lover 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR.  427 

"If  brother  F.  writes,  we  wish  you  would  imme- 
diately forward  the  letters. 

*'  I  close  my  letter  to  give  papa  an  opportunity  to  add 
a  note." 

"  My  dear  and  afflicted  Children  : 

**  This  is  to  acknowledge  the  reception  of  your 
letters,  conveying  intelligence  of  the  death  of  our  dear 
and  beloved  child  and  brother.  You  know,  my  dear 
children,  how  I  love  you  all.  And  truly,  it  is  not  in 
my  power,  by  this  pen,  to  describe  to  you  my  feelings. 

"  He,  whom  we  all  loved,  is  no  more.  He  has  gone 
to  the  God  who  gave  him  to  us.  And  blessed  be  his 
name  for  what  He  did  for  that  dear  child,  and  brother, 
in  the  manifestations  of  his  love  towards  him,  for  so 
many  years,  and  particularly  in  his  last  moments. 

"  My  dear  children,  this  is  a  loud  call  to  us.  We 
know  not  which  of  those  who  remain,  will  be  called 
next,  but  according  to  the  common  course  of  families, 
some  of  us  must  soon  be  summoned  to  follow  on,  to 
give  in  our  account.  May  we,  by  having  our  lamps 
trimmed  and  burning,  be  ready  at  any  moment. 

"  I  should  be  ungrateful  indeed,  if  I  did  not  acknow- 
ledge, with  thanks,  to  you,  my  dear  K.,  what  you  have 
so  liberally  contributed  to  our  dear  James  for  his  educa- 
tion, and  especially  for  his  comfort  in  these,  his  last 
moments  of  decline  and  death.  May  that  God  who  is 
the  rewarder  of  every  good  deed  abundantly  bless  you 
here  and  hereafter,  with  spiritual  and  temporal  blessings. 


428  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OF 

And  I  would,  with  grateful  feelings  also,  acknowledge 
the  kindness  of  E.,  and  J.  H.,  and  R.,  in  what  they 
have  done  for  the  happiness  of  dear  James.  May  God 
bless  you  all. 

"  My  love  to  the  little  boys,  and  God  grant  that  they 
and  all  of  our  little  ones  may  be  blessed. 

"Jeremiah  Taylor." 


b 


ADDENDA. 

The  succeeding  extracts  are  from  a  communication 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  S.,  who  is  now  no  more.  He  had 
been  much  engaged  in  the  scenes  of  religious  excite- 
ment, which  pervaded  the  New-England  churches,  be- 
tween the  years  of  eighteen  hundred  twenty-three  and 
thirty.  Mr.  Taylor,  during  his  vacations,  was  often 
thrown  in{o  the  company  of  this  clergyman,  and  labour- 
ed with  him.  From  their  frequent  intercourse,  he  had 
an  opportunity  to  know  Mr.  Taylor  well,  and  formed, 
as  will  be  seen,  a  friendship  for  him,  which  was  as  en- 
during as  life;  and  we  doubt  not  is  now  renewed, 
where  friendships  and  happiness  are  neither  broken  nor 
marrrd  by  change  in  circumstance,  or  cessation  of 
years. 

"  I  first  saw  the  face  of  your  brother,"  he  writes  to  Mr. 
K.  Taylor,  "  in  East-Haddam,  Connecticut,  on  the  7th 
of  October,  1823,  in  the  midst  of  one  of  the  most  majestic 
and  triumphant  marches  of  sovereign  grace,  which  I  ever 
witnessed.  In  view  of  this  great  work  of  God,  he  came 
to  labour,  and  to  pray,  and  to  rejoice,  with  us.  During 
this,  his  first  visit,  though  of  short  duration,  it  was  very 
obvious  that  he  was  taking  a  deep  interest  in  the  revi- 
vals, which  at  that  time  were  sp,reading  their  influences 
through  the  churches,  in  this  section  of  Zion.     At  se- 


430  TRIBUTE  TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

veral  different  times  and  places,  as  I  had  already  learn- 
ed, his  labours  in  exhortation,  prayer,  and  private  con- 
versation, had  been  blessed  in  the  hopeful  conversion  of 
numbers.  His  conversation,  at  this  time,  most  clearly 
evinced  that  the  salvation  of  sinners  was  a  subject, 
which,  of  all  others,  lay  nearest  to  his  heart.  In  short, 
his  meekness,  his  docility,  and  above  all,  his  spirituality, 
on  this  occasion,  inspired  me  with  high  expectations  of 
his  future  usefulness.  And  I  may  safely  say,  that  the 
few  subsequent  years  of  his  life  more  than  reahzed 
these  expectations. 

"  In  evidence  that  I  did  not,  at  this  time,  stand  alone 
in  this  high  estimate  of  his  character,  especially  in  re- 
ference to  spiritual-mindedness,  for  which  he  was  ever 
after  so  remarkable,  I  will  here  introduce  a  shortextract 
from  a  letter  which  I  received  about  that  time,  from  an 
intelligent  gentleman,  who,  after  expressing  his  great 
concern  for  the  more  general  promotion  of  revivals  of 
religion,  says :  *  Our  friend,  James  B.  Taylor,  has  re- 
cently spent  several  days  with  us.  I  do  think  his  visits 
have  a  happy  effect  on  my  family.  He  appears  to  be 
one  of  the  most  heavenly-minded,  one  of  the  most  se- 
rene and  happy  persons,  I  have  ever  met  with.  I  ex- 
ceedingly desire  that  he  should  have  some  better 
opportunities  in  revivals  of  religion.'  Young  Taylor 
was  at  this  time  engaged  in  his  preparatory  course  for 
college. 

"  On  the  sixteenth  of  September,  1824,  our  personal 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  431 

intercourse  was  renewed,  in  the  city  of  New- York,  and 
continued  daily  until  he  took  his  leave,  in  November, 
for  college.  During  these  few  weeks,  my  attachment 
was  very  much  matured ;  and  every  day's  observation, 
increased  my  conviction  that  he  was  no  ordinary  Chris- 
tian —  thathe  was  emphatically,  a  holy  man  —  a  star  of 
the  first  magnitude.  There  was  no  other  young  man 
within  my  knowledge,  who  appeared  to  be  so  heartily,  and 
so  wholly  devoted  to  the  work  of  extending  the  kingdom 
of  Christ  on  earth,  as  he  was. 

"Of  deadness  to  the  world,  and  of  living  for  Christ, 
I  never  before  saw  such  a  practical  illustration  —  not 
occasionally,  but  constantly.  And  here  I  would  record, 
to  the  glory  of  God,  and  for  the  consideration  of  all  who 
call  themselves  Christians,  and  especially  for  those  who 
are  destined  for  the  ministry,  or  who  are  in  it,  that  du- 
ring our  whole  intercourse,  for  more  than  five  years,  in 
which  he  was  often  with  me,  by  night  and  by  day,  and 
sometimes  for  weeks  together,  that  I  never  knew  him, 
for  a  moment,  indulging  in  conduct  or  conversation, 
which  would  have  occasioned  the  least  incongruity  in 
entering  immediately  on  the  solemn  duty  of  speaking  to 
God,  in  prayer.  To  such  a  degree  was  he  dead  to  the 
world,  that,  as  I  well  recollect,  in  a  ride  to  one  of  our 
benevolent  institutions,  a  few  miles  from  the  city,  which 
had  been  brought  about  at  his  own  suggestion,  I  found 
it  difficult  to  interest  him  sufficiently  in  surrounding  ob- 
jects to  satisfy  my  inquiries,  which  curiosity  naturally 


432  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

excited  in  the  mind  of  a  stranger.  I  afterwards  ascer- 
tained, that  this,  and  several  other  hke  excursions,  were 
brought  about  for  the  express  purpose  of  having  the 
opportunity  of  interrogating  as  to  certain  facts,  and 
collecting  certain  particulars,  in  relation  to  several 
revivals  of  religion,  of  which  I  had  been  an  eye- 
witness. 

*'  So  far  as  human  instrumentality  is  concerned,  in 
revivals  of  religion,  he  made  it  a  business  ofavaiUng 
himself,  as  far  as  possible,  of  the  observation  and  expe- 
rience of  others.  With  a  single  exception,  I  was  never 
acquainted  with  a  man  who  was  so  indefatigable  in  ac- 
quiring information  relative  to  the  duties  and  trials  of 
ministers,  at  such  times.  Often  would  he  urge  his  re- 
quest that  all  the  minute  circumstances  of  individual 
cases,  of  awakening  and  conversions,  so  far  as  known, 
might  be  rehearsed  ;  and  in  those  parts  of  the  relations 
which,  to  most,  would  have  been  tedious  and  uninte- 
resting, he  appeared  to  derive  high  satisfaction.  To 
those  cases  which  were  marked  by  any  peculiarity, 
he  would  afterwards  aud  frequently  revert  —  tracing  out 
the  connexion  between  the  means  used  of  God,  and 
the  end  brought  about  in  his  purposes  of  saving  mercy. 

"  Among  other  subjects  of  enquiry  of  this  nature,  he 
felt  deeply  concerned  to  know,  in  any  given  revival, 
what  class  of  persons  were  more  generally  affected  — 
what  subjects  were  discussed  at  the  different  stages  of 
the   work — what  sermons,  and   under  what  circum- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR.  433 

stances  preached,  were  especially  blessed  —  what  were 
the  stronger  features  of  those  cases  of  awakening, 
which  most  especially  resulted  in  a  gracious  change  — 
contrasting  such,  with  others  more  lingering  and  less 
promising. 

"  In  his  interviews  with  ministers  and  experienced 
Christians,  I  have  often  found  him  solicitous  to  know 
how  they  would  converse  with  persons  awakened  to  the 
inquiry,  "  What  must  I  do,"  &c.,  under  such  different 
circumstances  as  he  would  name.  When  in  the  field, 
and  called  to  labour  with  such  cases  as  strongly  resisted 
the  ordinary  means  of  grace,  and  even  special  opera- 
tions of  the  Holy  Spirit,  his  wisdom  in  marking  the 
besetting  sin,  and  in  levelling  the  artillery  of  truth  at  the 
real  difficullij  has  evidenced  repeatedly  that  his  remarks, 
in  this  very  essential  department  of  ministerial  useful- 
ness, were  not  in  vain. 

*'  I  have  often,  when  seated  by  his  side,  under 
preaching,  which  was  evidently  taking  powerful  effect, 
been  delighted  at  the  apparent  accuracy  with  which  he 
Y,_  would  anticipate  the  different  results  on  the  minds  of 
hearers,  with  whose  exercises  of  mind  he  had  some 
previous  acquaintance.  At  other  times,  I  have  listened 
with  him,  to  sermons  of  an  ent'rely  different  complexion. 
It  appeared  to  be  intensely  painful  to  him  to  hear  those, 
who,  while  ministering  in  Christ's  name,  would  indulge 
in  mere  declamation,  or  such  external  ornaments  as 
tended  more  to  gratify  the  pride  of  man,  or  to  secure  po- 
37 


434  TRIBUTE   TO  THE  MEMORY    OP 

pular  applause  than  to  convince  men  that  they  were 
lost,  and  that  none  but  Christ  could  save.  I  have 
more  than  once  heard  him  express  his  strong  suspicions 
that  the  fruitless  efforts  of  many,  even  for  years  toge- 
ther, so  generally  attributed  to  some  other  cause  than 
any  such  as  would  implicate  the  wisdom  or  faithfulness 
of  the  instrument,  might  after  all,  most  safely  be  resolv- 
ed into  some  deficiency  in  the  matter  or  manner  of  the 
ministration.  I  know  that  his  prevailing  belief  on  this 
subject  was,  that  when  those  means  which  have  their 
tendency  to  produce  seiious  consideration  and  esteem 
on  the  part  of  the  unrenewed  mind,  if  rightly  brought  to 
bear  upon  that  mind  would  most  likely  produce  the 
event  which  these  means  contemplated. 

"  The  docility  of  the  mind  of  Mr.  Taylor  in  relation 
to  all  such  subjects  as  would  be  likely  to  effect  his 
future  usefulness,  as  an  ambassador  of  God,  was,  with 
many  who  knew  him  best,  a  subject  of  admiration. 
Were  it  now  more  generally  found  in  young  men,  in 
like  circumstances,  I  doubt  not  it  would  be  exceedingly 
conducive  to  their  future  usefulness.  Often  have  I  had 
an  occasion  i^ot  only  to  admire  his  teachable  disposition 
but  the  inf^eniiovsness^  with  which,  in  reviewing  his  ear- 
lier efforts  in  revivals,  he  would  point  out  instances  of 
indiscretion,  and  the  unhappy  results  consequent  thereon. 

"  I  have  dwelt  more  particularly  on  his  character 
as  the  friend,  and  the  successful  promoter  of  revivals  of 
religion  for  the  purpose  of  rendering  more  intelligible 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR. 


435 


some  expressions  of  his  letters,  herewith  commu- 
nicated." 

When  alluding  to  one  of  these  letters,  containing  a 
narrative  of  one  of  those  melting  seasons  so  often  de- 
scribed in  the  writings  of  Mr.  T.,  the  writer  of  the  com- 
munication from  which  we  are  quoting  further  remarks, 
*  That,  to  the  persons  who  never  saw  Mr.  Taylor  at 
one  of  those  favoured  hours,  when  he  seemed  to  enter 
into  the  holiest  of  all,  and  spake  to  God,  as  it  were,  face 
to  face,  I  can  convey  but  a  faint  idea  of  the  extremely 
interesting  light  in  which  he  appeared  as  a  child  of 
grace,  thirsting  for  holiness  and  God." 

This  writer,  in  continuing  his  communication,  further 
remarks  in  connection  with  a  season,  which,  Mr.  Taylor 
spent  with  his,  by  special  invitation,  during  one  of  his 
college  vacations.  "  On  the  14th  of  April,  agreeably 
to  our  expectations,  our  dear  brother  comforted  us  by  his 
presence.  At  this  date,  the  revival  had  extended  into 
R.,  and  had  just  formed  that  interesting  crisis,  in  which 
the  majestic  movement  of  sovereign  grace  seems  to 
bring  the  stoutest  hearts  to  a  solemn  pause. 

"  On  his  arrival,  so  far  from  being  behind  the  spirit 
of  the  times,  as  is  the  case  with  many  in  similar  circum- 
stances who  visit  such  favoured  places,  we  found  him 
prepared,  at  once,  to  enter  most  heartily  into  the  work. 
For  some  weeks  he  gave  himself  up  to  exhortation  and 
prayer,  and  visiting  from  house  to  house. 

"  It  is  evident  from  the  success  which  attended  his 


436  TRIBUTE    TO    THE    MEMORY    OP 

labours  during  the  day  of  groat  things,  that  he  possess- 
ed a  most  happy  talent,  as  an  instrument  in  the  hands 
of  God,  for  arrousing  the  attention  of  the  inconsiderate 
and  hardened  sinner.  The  kindness  and  the  earnestness 
with  which  he  would  urge  an  immediate  attention  to  the 
interests  of  eternity  was  enough  to  move  a  heart  of 
stone.  Rarely  did  his  entreaties  fail  of  securing,  at 
least  a  resolution,  that  this  business  of  such  infinite  mo- 
ment, should  no  longer  be  neglected. 

"  So  abundant  were  the  labours  to  be  performed  at 
this  time,  that  several  meetings  in  different  neighbour- 
hoods, were  committed  to  his  charge.  No  messages 
were  more  eagerly  heard  than  his.  And  v/e  are  happy 
to  have  it  in  our  power  to  say,  that  not  afeiv,  to  this  day, 
hold  him  in  most  affectionate  remembrance,  as  their 
spiritual  father. 

"  At  one  period  of  his  labours,  in  this  place,  '  certain 
fellows  of  the  baser  sort'  banded  themselves  together  for 
the  purpose  of  afl^ecting  some  little  opposition  to  his 
success  ;  and  in  more  than  one  instance  they  hailed 
him,  as  he  passed  by,  in  opprobrious  language.  But  I 
could  not  discover  that  his  feelings  were  even  ruffled, 
in  the  K?  .  He  would  sometimes,  with  a  smiling 
countenance,  relate  such  circumstances,  adding,  '  how 
glorious  to  be  reviled  for  Christ's  sake.' 

"  The  interesting  scenes  through  which  he  passed 
during  this  refreshing  season  of  religious  feeling,  evi- 
dently contributed  to  his  great  happiness.     His  spirit- 


JAMES  BRAINERD  TAYLOR,  437 

ual  enjoymentf  at  limes,  surpassed  every  thing;  I  ever  wit' 
nessed.  Sometimes,  when  he  had  laid  his  head  upon 
his  pillow  at  a  late  hour  of  night,  laden  with  the  fatigues 
of  the  day,  he  would  turn  his  thoughts  away  from  others 
more  especially  to  himself,  and  commune  with  his  own 
heart.  He  would  break  out  often  in  the  strongest  lan- 
guage of  abhorrence.  '  A  vile  worm  !'  '  Infinitely 
vile  ;'  and  other  language  to  this  import.  And  these 
exclamations  would  be  frequently  interrupted  by  the 
most  bitter  weepings  and  heart-breakings  conceivable. 
At  other  times  he  would  seem  to  dissolve  into  tears, 
while  admiring  and  extolling  the  greatness  of  Christ's 
love  —  the  glories  of  his  character  —  the  wonders  of  his 
grace.  Never  did  I  fed  a  more  prevailing  conviction, 
that  there  was  but  here  and  there  a  saint  on  earth,  than 
when  witnessing  in  him  such  wrestlings  and  pantmgs 
for  holiness  and  God. 

"  Should  any  one  think  that  these  seasons  of  self- 
abhorrence,  which  are  sometimes  described  in  his  let- 
ters and  journal,  savor  of  extravagance,  they  are  invited 
to  read  some  parts  of  President  Edward's  experience." 

The  communication  from  which  I  am  quoting  con- 
tinues. 

"I  can  hardly  forbear,  in  this  connexion,  to  relate 
some  circumstances,  which  come  to  my  knowledge  in 
proof  that  his  benevolence  exerted  itself  not  in  word  only, 
but  also  in  deed 

"  During  our  intercourse  in  the  autumn  of  1824,  he 


438  TRIBUTE   TO   THE  MEMORY  OF 

became,  by  some  means,  acquainted  with  the  circum- 
stances of  a  clergyman,  who,  by  sickness  in  his  family, 
and  some  unforeseen  extra-expenses  attending  it,  was 
somewhat  straitened  for  a  time  in  his  pecuniary  concerns. 
No  sooner  did  Mr.  Taylor  become  acquainted  with  the 
fact  than  he  procured  funds,  to  my  certain  knowledge, 
in  amount  abundantly  sufficient  to  relieve  his  pressing 
necessities. 

*'  In  another  instance,  under  circumstances  not  dis- 
simmilar,  I  knew  of  his  effecting  relief  to  the  amount  of 
more  than  one  hundred  dollars. 

"  On  another  occasion  he  met  with  a  clergyman, 
whose  labours  had  been  abundant,  and  whose  garments 
waxed  old  in  this  service,  and  who,  he  supposed,  had 
not  adequate  means  for  renewing  them.  Ascertaining 
his  next  place  of  destination,  he  dropped  a  line  to  an 
acquaintance  living  near  by,  requested  him  to  hunt  out 
said  clergyman,  remembering  the  injunction  of  Christ, 
*  clothe  the  naked,'  &c.  His  request  was  fully  com- 
plied with,  and  the  clergyman  reaped  the  full  benefit  of 
his  thoughtful  consideration  of  his  necessitous  circum- 
stances. 

"  In  the  autumn  of  1826, 1  knew  of  his  meeting  with 
an  indigent,  pious  young  man,  who  had  just  completed 
his  college-studies,  and  was  now  on  his  way  to  the 
south,  —  necessity  being  laid  upon  him  to  teach  school, 
for  some  two  or  three  years,  in  order  to  raise  funds  suf- 
ficient to  prosecute  his  theological  studies.     Our  la- 


JAMES    BRAINERD    TAYLOR. 


439 


merited  Taylor  took  him  by  the  hand.  *  Dear  brother,' 
said  he,  '  you  are  considerably  advanced  in  life  ;  and  as 
you"'are  looking  forward  to  the  ministry,  and  labourers 
are  so  few  and  so  much  needed  in  the  field,  I  regret 
that  you  should  be  so  long  detained.  Suppose  you 
should  stay  with  me  a  day  or  two,  and  think  of  the  sub- 
ject.^ His  friend  complied  ;  and  in  the  course  of  a  very 
few  days,  he  was  supplied  with  such  pecuniary  assist- 
ance, that  he  immediately  entered  one  of  our  theologi- 
cal seminaries,  and  is  now  in  the  ministry,  thrusting  in 
the  sickle. 

*'  The  preceding  are  but  a  few  of  the  many  deeds  of 
his  charity  which  fell  under  my  own  observation.  And 
in  effecting  such  purposes  of  kindness,  I  do  not  think  I 
ever  knew  a  person  so  especially  careful  to  keep  himself 
out  of  view.  I  do  not  now  recall  one  instance  where  he 
afterwards  reverted  to  what  he  had  done  in  this  way. 

"  The  active  benevolence  of  Mr.  Taylor,  was  not 
confined,  however,  to  feeding  the  hungry  and  clothing 
the  naked.  Such  another  earthly  comforter  at  the  sick- 
bed side,  I  never  saw.  In  visiting  the  children  of  God, 
at  such  times,  I  have  repeatedly  known  him  the  instru- 
ment of  dissipating  the  clouds  of  thick  darkness,  and 
bringing  the  mind  into  a  state  of  almost  unspeakable 
ecstasy.  How  often,  and  with  what  astonishing  effect 
has  he  sung  to  the  sick  and  dying,  the  hymn  commenc- 
ing with  the  followin<T  stanza  : 


440         TRIBUTE    TO  JAMES    BRAlNERD  TAYLOR. 

*'  Brethren,  ■while  we  sojourn  here, 
Fight  we  must,  but  should  not  fear.        ,4fi^ 
Foes  we  have,  but  we've  a  friend, 
One  that  loves  us  to  the  end ; 
Onward  then  with  courage  go, 
Long  we  shall  not  dwell  below  ; 
Soon  the  joyful  news  will  come,- 
CMld,  your  Father  calls  you  home." 

*'  The  affection  I  entertained  for  your  brother,"  con- 
cludes the  writer  of  this  paper,  from  which  we  have 
been  quoting,  '*can  never  be  tol^by  peri^iind  ink.^  To 
be  the  subject  of  his  prayers,  was  to  be  among »t&e  pri- 
vileged. To  commune  ^vith  him  in  supplicating  the 
throne  of  grace  —  in  songs  of  praise  —  and  in  converse, 
.  was  delight  that  ihe  happiest  might  envy.  I  never 
knew  the  person  who,  in  word  and  action,  and  in  the 
whole  man,  savoured  so  much  of  the  heavenly.  The 
remembrance  of  him  fills  my  heart  with  sorrow;  while, 
at  the  same  time,  I  have  a  conviction  which  admits  of 
no  one. doubt,  that  our  loss  is  his  gain. 

"  He  longed  for  the  beautiful  and  the  perfect  of  the 
coming  state.  His  pure  s])irit  is  now  enjoying  it,  in  the 
delicate  perceptions  of  his  beautiful  mind,  and  the  full 
and  joyous  gust  of  sensibilities  so  characterized  for 
their  refinement,  depth,  and  overflowing  tenderness." 


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